Bioengineering: Cost issue.

[hmm...]

Big good local state school (but <50 in this program) is $24k for entire 1 yr program. Top 10 program is ~$55k for the same.

 

I've got burned with loans in the past, so it's really being frowned upon so I will depend on borrowing from relatives.

 

I've talked to both programs, and it seems that consensus is that there is absolutely no funded money for masters students. One suggested working full time or hoping you can get a position and the PI has enough cash to support you. That first idea seem unfeasible due to workload and the second seems unlikely. Moreover, I heard from a guy who got into the second school for PhD economics that in that program, they fail out (intentionally?) ~10%-20%.

 

1. Would it be a bad choice to go to the cheaper school for masters if possibilly pursuing PhD later on? (Would it also be easier to do well? How much does prestigue play a part in apps later on?)

 

2. Anyone heard about programs failing out people regularly?

[Chai_latte]

First, I would find out about both programs' attrition. You don't want to enter a program (regardless of rank) that is flunking out students left and right.  20% sounds pretty high to me.  But, don't go by what some guy in a different department says.  Investigate this thoroughly.  Talk to professors and students at both schools. 

You're right.  Full-time work would be impossible, IMO.  And with the sequester, money for M.S./M.S.E candidates is highly unlikely.  So, you'll really have to think about your ROI.  There's a huge difference in rank between Temple and Penn for bioengineering.  If you plan on pursuing a PhD later on, you should bear that in mind.  With that said, it's all about fit and where you will meet the most success.  If one program has more accessible/better profs, more interesting research or a better environment for you, you should choose that school...regardless of rank or cost.

[yhk331]

If you want free Masters, you can consider Canada. For example, I am studying my Masters in ECE in University of Toronto. I don't pay a cent.

[Igotnothin]

How about you go to Temple and work like you have a chip on your shoulder. Assuming you plan to apply to PhD programs after, get involved in research, try to get your name on a paper or two, and get good letters of recommendations. If you separate yourself from the pack in ways other than "I got my MS at Penn," you should be able to get into PhD programs, and you'll have saved a lot of money.

[Chai_latte]

Just curious...when do you have to decide?  Have you made a decision yet?

[hmm...]

If you want free Masters, you can consider Canada. For example, I am studying my Masters in ECE in University of Toronto. I don't pay a cent.

 

Actually tried Canadian, but was too late for UofT & McGill. Only 2 schools in Ontario had this program and it was a no go. They accept directly into a lab, and I believe they have fewer spots and take people they know. Not everyone were accepting students either.. 

 

How about you go to Temple and work like you have a chip on your shoulder. Assuming you plan to apply to PhD programs after, get involved in research, try to get your name on a paper or two, and get good letters of recommendations. If you separate yourself from the pack in ways other than "I got my MS at Penn," you should be able to get into PhD programs, and you'll have saved a lot of money.

 

I know law, mba & PhD (terminal) degree rank is pretty important for employment. I am hoping it wasn't the case for a masters if I am seeking further education.

[hmm...]

Just curious...when do you have to decide?  Have you made a decision yet?

end of this week. yikes.