Fresno State vs. APU DPT programs

[cryst4lbeast]

These are the schools I'm deciding between! I just wanted to hear what other people's thoughts were on these programs without cost being a major influence on where I attend, at least in this discussion

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[CalcaneusLongus]

I really don't think cost can be separated from this discussion. However since you asked, check out the first time pass rates of the NPTE. They are comparable. Two-Year First-Time Pass Rate by School

The other things to consider is cohort size and location (living in Fresno and doing your rotations in Fresno = getting first job offers in Fresno), and quality of education.

Despite any benefits APU has, I would never go there over Fresno because of the cost benefit alone. You're looking at more than $40000 cheaper (Fresno is the cheapest school in CA) in tuition alone along with living costs (Fresno being extremely cheap COL), and you could be saving more than $50-60k.

If cost is not being a major influence (as in your parents are paying for your education) I still would not feel comfortable spending that much of my parents money on such a small difference in education, since you'll be getting the same degree. It is irresponsible. Perhaps ask them to invest it in a savings account that you can use as a down payment on your first home instead.

 

[cryst4lbeast]

I really don't think cost can be separated from this discussion. However since you asked, check out the first time pass rates of the NPTE. They are comparable. Two-Year First-Time Pass Rate by School

The other things to consider is cohort size and location (living in Fresno and doing your rotations in Fresno = getting first job offers in Fresno), and quality of education.

Despite any benefits APU has, I would never go there over Fresno because of the cost benefit alone. You're looking at more than $40000 cheaper (Fresno is the cheapest school in CA) in tuition alone along with living costs (Fresno being extremely cheap COL), and you could be saving more than $50-60k.

If cost is not being a major influence (as in your parents are paying for your education) I still would not feel comfortable spending that much of my parents money on such a small difference in education, since you'll be getting the same degree. It is irresponsible. Perhaps ask them to invest it in a savings account that you can use as a down payment on your first home instead.

That is very true! I do recognize that there is a drastic change in cost of attendance between the two schools and I don't plan on having my parents bear the weight of all that. I just wanted to see what people thought of the programs, if cost was equal as a way to restate my thoughts. But thank you for your reply! Good things that I have definitely considered.

 

[_justalurker]

At the end of the day, a DPT is a DPT as we've all heard many times over & cost is really important but to answer your discussion without considering money:

Although I don't have many impressions of Fresno State, I did hear of their grading policy/how it can be more stressful than other programs at times. For instance, at Fresno I think you have to pass a baseline for every exam but in other programs you just have to pass a baseline grade for the overall class. If that's important to you then grading policy is something to look into- I'm sure the program is still an amazing one!

As for APU, I had amazing impressions of their overall faculty, facilities, and overall program. To be completely honest, I wasn't considering it seriously until my interview day which surprised me. My interviewers/preview day presenters seemed very kind, genuine and dedicated to just improving the program/curating it well. Most programs have good faculty with testaments from the students so I'm not sure how much that opinion matters, but it felt like I was truly connecting with their philosophies and personalities. It was probably my favorite or close second favorite interview out of the many that I've participated in- zero red flags. They have a pretty new building which is great, diverse faculty, a solid curriculum plan, potential strong residency support, and the PhysioU integration which might seem gimmicky but is something that aligns perfectly with my needs. I also appreciate that they don't straight include religion in their education plan despite being a Christian university. In terms of location, I would choose Azusa over Fresno as well 🙂 saving money is important but not considering that I would enjoy making job connections/living around that area more.

Again these are all just my personal opinions but best of luck to you, it's tough deciding between schools!

 

[mochipoki]

I'd try to talk to people from both schools. I almost went to Fresno state as it seems like a wonderful program. Their facilities seemed great and their faculty seemed very genuine. I'm surprised to see the other comment about Fresno's grading policy since when I talked to other students about how it works, it seemed very lenient.
I also agree that picking Fresno would be a no brainer for me due to the price. Calculating how much longer it'd take to pay off loans is more time I'd be stressed and strapped for cash.