Is the out of state tuition worth it?

[amayoub]

I currently am a senior at University of Michigan and really am hoping to get into the UMich Social Work program as well, since the clinical focus is very appealing to me. As expensive as it is, I would get in-state tuition and could live at home and save money. But obviously its not for sure that I can get in. But I would like to stay in-state so that I can claim residency. I know that Wayne State and Michigan State have social work programs, but obviously they are not on the same level as UMich. In the long run, do you think I would be better off applying out of state as well , even though the tuition would be much higher (plus housing), or stay in state at not as highly ranked of a program if I don't get into my #1 choice..

I guess I'm basically just wondering how important where you get your MSW is. Also, MSU and Wayne State both have clinical tracks.

Any input?

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

While I cannot comment specifically on the programs mentioned, I can comment on the associated costs of pursuing graduate training.....go to the least expensive place that meets your needs and holds the highest level accreditation in that particular field.

For the most part, the name of the university won't matter that much once you are out practicing, though the training and connections made in the program can sometimes make a difference. Is that difference worth spending another $20k-$30k on the degree....probably not. I'm not sure of the cost differences between those three programs, but I'd think long and hard about spending any more money than you need to for graduate training.

 

[lrn1]

Some people seem to think it matters, while others don't. I think what matters the most is whether you will be getting what you want out of the program you have selected. Does the school specialize in the area you are interested in working in? If you want to do clinical work - is it a good clinical program? What are you experiences with faculty and recruitment reps? These are questions I ask.

On the upside, I don't think out of state is always more expensive than in-state. There are some good programs that will offer a lot of aid to their students - they are often awarded on a merit basis and it may also depend on your concentration. I think you just need to do some research to find out what schools these are and whether or not they would be a good fit for you.

I am interested in working with older adults, so I narrowed down my schools by researching the programs that are known for having a good gerontology concentration. Then I looked into tuition and scholarships. There are some schools I would love to go to, but realistically, they don't offer a lot of aid to their students. I crossed these schools off my list. There are some schools that I may have a shot at earning a scholarship at, so kept a couple on my list, and there are schools like SUNY-Albany that great, would be a good fit, and are very affordable for out of state students. And of course, I kept a couple of in-state schools.

I hope this gives me some flexibility to choose a program that will be a good fit for me and still be somewhat affordable. Location is also a factor...some cities are more expensive to live in, so I take that into consideration too....that's what I thought about...

 

[lookitssara]

Do you plan on practicing in MI when you're done? All three of those schools have great reps (I'm from MI myself).

I would look into the curriculum, the clinical placements, and graduate outcomes. If you want to be a practicing social worker, I think those are really the most important aspects.

Also, I would look into private schools inside and outside of MI. Tuition is higher, but there are generally more funding opportunities. Check out schools that offer GA, RA, and TA positions.

 

[Jalpari]

Some people seem to think it matters, while others don't. I think what matters the most is whether you will be getting what you want out of the program you have selected. Does the school specialize in the area you are interested in working in? If you want to do clinical work - is it a good clinical program? What are you experiences with faculty and recruitment reps? These are questions I ask.

On the upside, I don't think out of state is always more expensive than in-state. There are some good programs that will offer a lot of aid to their students - they are often awarded on a merit basis and it may also depend on your concentration. I think you just need to do some research to find out what schools these are and whether or not they would be a good fit for you.

I am interested in working with older adults, so I narrowed down my schools by researching the programs that are known for having a good gerontology concentration. Then I looked into tuition and scholarships. There are some schools I would love to go to, but realistically, they don't offer a lot of aid to their students. I crossed these schools off my list. There are some schools that I may have a shot at earning a scholarship at, so kept a couple on my list, and there are schools like SUNY-Albany that great, would be a good fit, and are very affordable for out of state students. And of course, I kept a couple of in-state schools.

I hope this gives me some flexibility to choose a program that will be a good fit for me and still be somewhat affordable. Location is also a factor...some cities are more expensive to live in, so I take that into consideration too....that's what I thought about...

I don't find much universities offering scholarships and financial aids in UK ..