Choosing Between Two Programs

[Mmmcg18]

Resident of Indianapolis here, and currently have a decision to make regarding two PA programs in the area. Both are within a 20 min drive from my house so that is a non-issue.

Program A: 

-Class Size: 75

- Length: 24 months

- Cost: 95K (private school)

- First accredited in 1996

- Established staff/faculty and clinical rotations

- 98% first pass rate of the PANCE in past 5 years

- Anatomy lab with anatomage table

 

Program B: 

- Class size: 44

- Length: 27 months

- Cost: 66K (in-state)

- Accredited in 2012 (newer program)

- More recent staff/faculty turnover

- Established clinical rotations

- ~98% fist pass PANCE rate

- True cadaver dissection anatomy lab

 

My gut is telling me to go with program A based on my experience and knowledge of the program. It is also 3 months shorter which I see value in, especially when getting a head start on licensing/certification/job searching. The tuition for program B would be tough to pass up. I have seemed to have some communication issues already with the program, which to me seems like a little bit of a red/yellow flag. Program A is closer to home (within 10 min drive) and I could commute to class via my road bike most nice days. Program B is downtown, which sometimes is a hassle to commute. Honestly, all said and done, if the tuitions were the same program A would be a no brainer for me. What do y'all think? Thanks!

[prepa4065]

Dumb question, but when people list tuition, is that tuition per year? Or price of the whole program?

[Aware]

So basically Butler vs IUPUI...

The popular opinion on this forum is always go for the cheaper option. In this case the difference is ~30k. Factor in the 3 month duration difference and it's probably more like 15k if you account for lost wages if you choose the longer/cheaper program. From the information you're providing us, I will go the unpopular route and personally choose A to avoid potential headaches encountered in program B.