How much is 'reasonable' to pay for a MFT program?

[krnlady]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I'm doing some research into costs of different MFT programs, but some schools have the "per unit" tuition posted while others show the full 2 years (which is much more clear to me). The per unit costs are not very meaningful to me, as I don't know how many units you take or what is considered a reasonable cost per unit. Can anyone tell me what is a reasonable amount to consider paying for an MFT? Also, how do I judge this "per unit" cost - I'm not sure what range I'm supposed to be looking at. I'm from California, and I know Cal state programs are a bit over $24,000 a year, while places like USC are $90,000 for 2 years - clearly a big difference.

Also, is the quality at these cheaper state schools any lower than expensive private universities? if not, why do people go to the private, non-funded, hella expensive ones?

Any advice/info appreciated.

 

[wigflip]

I'm doing some research into costs of different MFT programs, but some schools have the "per unit" tuition posted while others show the full 2 years (which is much more clear to me). The per unit costs are not very meaningful to me, as I don't know how many units you take or what is considered a reasonable cost per unit. Can anyone tell me what is a reasonable amount to consider paying for an MFT? Also, how do I judge this "per unit" cost - I'm not sure what range I'm supposed to be looking at. I'm from California, and I know Cal state programs are a bit over $24,000 a year, while places like USC are $90,000 for 2 years - clearly a big difference.

Also, is the quality at these cheaper state schools any lower than expensive private universities? if not, why do people go to the private, non-funded, hella expensive ones?

Any advice/info appreciated.

Posting the per unit price is a way to make it harder for you to figure out what you're really getting yourself into financially. But look at the program requirements, add up the number of units needed to graduate and multiply by the per unit price. Keep in mind that the per unit price will probably rise a bit each year, and add in the price of books.

As for the Cal States--are you certain they are $24,000/year?? Graduate fees at the UC are less than $15,000, so I find it hard to believe that CSU has surpassed that, given their lesser prestige and traditionally lower tuition.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Make sure to account for "student service fees", "registration fees", and similar...as many schools like to tac on all sorts of extra fees.

As for what is better.....as long as the program has the proper acred., then you should go for the cheapest program. There are a few exceptions (business school), otherwise you are just wasting extra money.

 

[wigflip]

As for what is better.....as long as the program has the proper acred., then you should go for the cheapest program. There are a few exceptions (business school), otherwise you are just wasting extra money.

I'd add one caveat here: if you know you hate research, and don't intend to go on for the doctorate, you might be able to fly through a program with no thesis. Again, it's not the best choice for someone considering a doctorate in psych. But I have a friend who just couldn't finish his/her research and after taking all the classes, and paying the MA thesis advising units term after term, just dropped out and gave up on the whole thing. If you know yourself well enough to know that that could be you, then by all means buy your way out of it. Being able to read and understand research is much more important than actually conducting it.

 

[krnlady]

to wigflip:

i found the info here: http://admissions.calpoly.edu/_finaid/coa1112.html am i reading this accurately?

 

[IHrtHealthPsych]

to wigflip:

i found the info here: http://admissions.calpoly.edu/_finaid/coa1112.html am i reading this accurately?

The "yearly cost" is inflated when they add in the estimates of ALL living expenses. The "per unit" cost is just tuition. BIG difference.

 

[krnlady]

oh right, didn't even think of that. so actually, the state schools are EVEN cheaper than i imagined, right? its actually about 9000 according to that? wtf, that is crazy!