Program-Specific Info / Q's Deciding between Columbia and Chatham for MSOT

[DecidingOTProgram]

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Hey All,

I was recently accepted into Columbia University's MSOT program in New York and Chatham University's MSOT program in Pittsburgh and am having trouble deciding between the two. I've visited Chatham, met the faculty and spoken to the students who all seem to like the program. I also toured Pittsburgh a bit and found it to be a charming city. I haven't visited Columbia, and the $500 non-refundable deposit is due in four days, so I won't be able to before putting down the deposit. If anyone is currently attending, or has attended Columbia, can you give me some insight into what their experience was like? I am attracted to the fact that Columbia is in New York City and it seems to be a great program (ranked 13th by US news/world report). Trouble is, Columbia is about $18,000 more than Chatham (after taking tuition, fees, housing, food, etc for the entire length of the program into consideration). OTs have advised me that where you get your OT education isn't as important, as long as you pass your NBCOT exam.

What was your experience with Columbia's program? Do you think Columbia (and New York) is worth the relatively high price tag?

What does current Occupational Therapists think about this matter? Is it worth $18,000 more in your opinion?

I have four days to decide!
THANK YOU

 

[dobber]

Hey I was wondering what your stats are. I mean, if you made it to Columbia, you should have stellar grades!
And my personal opinion, you gotta look at the big scheme of things. Columbia is a fantastic school, but it's in NYC (expensive), program is expensive, and maybe you may not want to do this if you can get the same license for 18k cheaper, right? Go with Chatham!

 

[OT412]

This isn't super helpful, but I feel your pain! I am currently deciding between UW-Madison and Columbia with the same deadline, however my price difference is $35,000 or even more if I manage to get in state for Madison. I feel more drawn to Madison, but I also worry I will wish I had the prestige of a Columbia degree, especially since I'm hoping to move to the east coast after graduation and worry that a Midwest school will not have the same name recognition and I'll pale next to more local job applicants.

Let me know what you end up deciding, and at least we will know what is happening by this weekend! I would also definitely appreciate any input from people familiar with the schools, thanks!

 

[DecidingOTProgram]

Thank you all for your input. The $18,000 is taking cost of living/food into account (in addition to tuition/fees) for both NYC and Pittsburgh.

Based on starting salary figures and potential salary increase, $18,000 may not be as difficult to pay off over the years as I am anticipating? If the starting salary is $50,000, and I plan on renting apartment/food after I graduate (maybe will cost $35,000/year) then maybe the $18,000 won't be as hard to pay off? Or maybe it's because I really want to go to live in NYC that I am finding these reasons? I feel like this is my only opportunity to live in NYC as I am moving back to Chicago after graduate school...

OT412, I will let you know when I decide! if you chose Columbia, maybe we can live together and save some money? haha

Stats:
Undergraduate GPA: 3.52
Prereq GPA: 3.6 (B in Anatomy, B in Physio, B Abnormal Psych, A stats, A psych 101, A development classes, A med term)
Experiences: two skilled nursing home settings (80hrs), outpatient hospital (64 hrs), school in South Africa (164 hrs)
Worked on personal statement for months.

 

[OT412]

Thank you all for your input. The $18,000 is taking cost of living/food into account (in addition to tuition/fees) for both NYC and Pittsburgh.

Based on starting salary figures and potential salary increase, $18,000 may not be as difficult to pay off over the years as I am anticipating? If the starting salary is $50,000, and I plan on renting apartment/food after I graduate (maybe will cost $35,000/year) then maybe the $18,000 won't be as hard to pay off? Or maybe it's because I really want to go to live in NYC that I am finding these reasons? I feel like this is my only opportunity to live in NYC as I am moving back to Chicago after graduate school...

OT412, I will let you know when I decide! if you chose Columbia, maybe we can live together and save some money? haha

Stats:
Undergraduate GPA: 3.52
Prereq GPA: 3.6 (B in Anatomy, B in Physio, B Abnormal Psych, A stats, A psych 101, A development classes, A med term)
Experiences: two skilled nursing home settings (80hrs), outpatient hospital (64 hrs), school in South Africa (164 hrs)
Worked on personal statement for months.

I'll let you know also! Not too long now!

 

[DecidingOTProgram]

Yes, thank you for your feedback MOT4ME. Good dose of hard truths. $18,000 is A LOT of money. I'm visiting the program at Columbia this week, hopefully this will aid in my decision process.