Vanderbilt IGP vs. Pennsylvania state Biomedical sciences

[taha89]

I'm an international student, accepted in both Vandy IGP and Penn state BMS programs. I've never been to US before and I have no idea what these schools look like. Also, both schools have pretty good programs and good research activity (pub records, active project and funding). Regarding potential supervisors, both schools have faculty I'd like working with (that's why I applied in the first place). Vandy offers higher stipend but grads at Vandy say Nashville is expensive unlike Hershey. 
Anyone have an idea about any of these programs or could help with this decision. Thanks a lot 

[rising_star]

1) Penn State isn't in Hershey. It's in State College, PA. It's true that the cost of living there is lower than Nashville but it's also going to be more expensive for you to travel home from there given the lack of a major airport near Penn State.

2) Nashville is a fun city. It has some issues but, the cost of living is still pretty reasonable, the university has great financial resources, and you should be able to live on the stipend they provide. I would definitely go to Vandy, of the two.

[jlt646]

8 hours ago, rising_star said:

1) Penn State isn't in Hershey. It's in State College, PA. It's true that the cost of living there is lower than Nashville but it's also going to be more expensive for you to travel home from there given the lack of a major airport near Penn State.

Biomedical engineering is in State College, but biomedical sciences is at the med school in Hershey. 

OP, if all other things are the same for you, it should come down to quality of life. There will be more to do in Nashville, for sure, but will you have enough free time while you are in school to make that a deciding factor? Is stretching your stipend as far as possible a priority? How often do you plan on travelling? Would you rather live somewhere warm or somewhere that gets snow?