Hi All,
I am a 43 year old back to school gal! I have over 20 years of experience in social service, case management, alcohol/drug, gang intervention.. etc. done it all.. My goal is to get my LCSW and go into Mental Health. I would like to open a private practice and become a psychotherapist. I know that I will have to put in my hours post MSW and pass the California exams. I was accepted to CSULA, CSULB, and USC. CSU is only $10,000 and I have full scholarship for books and tuition. USC is $82,000 plus books, I don't qualify for work study and I do not have any scholarships. It will be loans. USC is one of the top Social Work Schools in the nation. CSU is top 5 in California but in the 60th ranking nationwide. My last job was that of a Case Management/Analyst Supervisor for a Federal Funded Program. I put in 11 years there directly with department of labor and employment development department. I know for a fact that where the degree did not matter as much as having the degree : ) I however now wondering if I do want to get supervision hours and want to have my own practice if where you go to school makes a big difference. So, my question is does the school make a difference equal to $82,000 plus dollars in the big scheme of it all? CSU LA,LB and USC are all approved programs with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. PLEASE HELP ME! I need to make a decision ASPA. I thought I was done and had made my decision. I thought it was going to be easy! NO DEBT and a FREE MSW is much better than $82,000 plus loans... but now I keep reading so much about the all mighty and prestigious USC. I don't want to make a mistake.. at my age I just can't afford it... : & what do you all think???? THANK YOU!