Columbia vs. UNC

[swellday]

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I'm lucky enough that I got into my two top choices, but now I am torn about where to go. I am leaning towards UNC, but it seems that everyone else I talked to is more impressed about Columbia (not people in public health). I know UNC is ranked higher, but is a Columbia degree going to get me farther? I'm not sure exactly what I want to do, but something along the lines of program management and working with NGOs internationally. I am in for MCH at both schools. I think the UNC program matches my interests better - but again, is the Columbia name worth more in the long run? I get the impression that Columbia is what you make out of it, whereas UNC is more supportive. I also worry that I won't get as much of a global focus at Columbia because I am not in the Global Health program there.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[tt13]

I'm lucky enough that I got into my two top choices, but now I am torn about where to go. I am leaning towards UNC, but it seems that everyone else I talked to is more impressed about Columbia (not people in public health). I know UNC is ranked higher, but is a Columbia degree going to get me farther? I'm not sure exactly what I want to do, but something along the lines of program management and working with NGOs internationally. I am in for MCH at both schools. I think the UNC program matches my interests better - but again, is the Columbia name worth more in the long run? I get the impression that Columbia is what you make out of it, whereas UNC is more supportive. I also worry that I won't get as much of a global focus at Columbia because I am not in the Global Health program there.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

I was choosing between the two as well. I've spoken to my global health profs, students from both schools, as well as people outside of the public health field. The response seems to be that both schools have comparable reputations, it comes down to what you're seeking from a school. At Columbia, you have endless opportunities in New York, but are you the aggressive type of person who will go out of your way to build connections and seek out these opportunities? UNC, on the other hand, may not have the benefit of being in a major city, but you have an extremely supportive staff that will go out of their way to make sure you have what you're looking for.

Although, yes, Columbia carries the Ivy League name, but most people your fields would no better than to judge a school only by whether or not it's an Ivy. Also, you may want to note that UNC is one of the original "Public Ivy League" schools.

For me at least, taking away the Ivy label, I felt that UNC was a better fit. I have all my life to work or live in NY. I only have two years to get the best out of my public health school experience.