Program-Specific Info / Q's Colorado State University vs. MGHIHP... Apples to Oranges?

[CSUhopeful]

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I've been accepted to both of my top-choice programs (CSU and MGH) and I know I should be thrilled, but now I'm just feeling confused. Can anyone give me any insight here? These programs are so different and I love them both for different reasons.

MGH is an OTD, while CSU is an MS/MOT, depending on which route I select. MGH is private and expensive (~105k after scholarships), while CSU is a state school and I have in-state tuition (~40k).

Ultimately, I love research and hope to remain in research throughout the course of my graduate studies and beyond. Although MGH is a doctorate while CSU is a master's program, CSU offers a PhD in Occupational and Rehabilitative Science that I could potentially complete within 3 years of beginning the MS.

That said, I love the connections to the thriving medical community that Boston could offer.

I also don't really understand the value of OTD vs. MS at this point...

Help... there are just too many factors here!

 

[AspiringOT11]

I would go the cheaper route!! And since you are interested in research and CSU gives you the opportunity to do a PHd, its even better! I've heard that in the research world a Phd is more valuable than the OTD anyways. But ultimately, it's about what feels like the best decision for you and which school fits you the best!

 

[Bokonomy]

CSU is one of the top programs for sensory autism research if you're into that. I'd be thrilled to go there if I were you. 🙂

 

[sarah_futureot]

CSU! I'm deciding on Tufts (by Boston) and USC though so I understand the appeal of Boston and all the amazing hospitals and schools there. But CSU is in a great city and there's currently no huge advantage to a doctorate right now, or at least thats what OTs tell me. I'd do whatever is cheaper right now and if you do what a doctorate later on you can maybe get financial help from the hospital you work from or something.

 

[avocadodreams]

As much as I would like you to choose MGH (😉), the difference in tuition is pretty big. How much would the PhD cost afterwards though? Comparing the time/cost of the MSOT + PhD to the OTD would probably make more sense. Obviously there are differences between PhD and OTD, too. I honestly don't know anything about CSU, so I'm really just winging it haha. Does your figure for MGH include the cost of living, too, or just tuition minus scholarship?

 

[CSUhopeful]

After really looking at the options, 3 years to a PhD with in-state tuition (CSU) is the best option for me! I already sent in my deposit for MGH... I really didn't think I was getting into CSU.

Thanks everyone!