MHA fellowship vs residency

[mha4life]

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Hello all,

I have quite the dilemma and do not know what to do and welcome any thoughts or opinions. It's a good problem to have, but a problem nonetheless.
I have been accepted to the MHA programs at U of Iowa and USC (southern california) and am having a very difficult time deciding that to do.

Iowa is ranked #14 and has offered me a position as Graduate Assistant (which ultimately pays all the tuition)
USC is ranked a lot lower at #36, but I was offered a full-tuition dean's merit scholarship.

The main difference that I see in the programs is that Iowa is fellowship-based, while USC students do a residency instead of a fellowship for the most part. Does anyone know why some programs do not typically do fellowships and others do? Is a fellowship the most important aspect of the program? I am honestly torn 50/50 on the two, so any opinions would be great. Thanks in advance!

 

[mha4life]

Hello all,

When considering which MHA program to attend, the major difference that I can find is some schools are fellowship-based, while others typically do a residency in place of the fellowship.

My question is simply which is better and why? Are fellowships THAT important, or can one do just as well with a residency instead? What are the major differences between a fellowship and a residency? I am considering Iowa and USC (southern cal) and this seems to be the main difference.

Any thoughts or opinions would be appreciated (or input about Iowa/USC specifically.)

Thanks!

 

[Stories]

The one plus is that for a fellowship you can write it in your awards section of your CV.

 

[Lsata]

What do you mean when you say "fellowship based?" Do you mean that the program doesn't have a built in residency so students apply to fellowships after they graduate? If so, then that right there is the benefit of a residency - It's facilitated by the program, it's usually guaranteed, and you don't have to compete nationally like you do for most fellowships.

 

[mha4life]

What do you mean when you say "fellowship based?" Do you mean that the program doesn't have a built in residency so students apply to fellowships after they graduate? If so, then that right there is the benefit of a residency - It's facilitated by the program, it's usually guaranteed, and you don't have to compete nationally like you do for most fellowships.

Thank you for the responses!

Correct, in the fellowship-based program (Iowa), the students do a 10-12 week internship during the summer between the two years, but there is no built-in residency. The students then pursue a fellowship after they graduate. The other program (USC) has a built-in required 1,000 hour residency.

Is a fellowship looked upon as a much better route vs. a residency? Is that why they are so competitive to get? The residency being built in to the program obviously sounds nice, but I am just wondering what the major differences are, and if a residency is as beneficial to start a career as a fellowship.

 

[mha4life]

The one plus is that for a fellowship you can write it in your awards section of your CV.

I agree that would look great on a CV. I would like to get your opinion on something on that very topic. What would look better as an award on a CV:

1- A graduate assistantship with a partial scholarship from a #14 ranked program (Iowa)
or
2- A full-tuition Dean's merit scholarship from the #36 ranked program (USC)

I'm having a tough time with the decision.

All responses welcome!
Thanks!

 

[LAD2013]

I agree that would look great on a CV. I would like to get your opinion on something on that very topic. What would look better as an award on a CV:

1- A graduate assistantship with a partial scholarship from a #14 ranked program (Iowa)
or
2- A full-tuition Dean's merit scholarship from the #36 ranked program (USC)

I'm having a tough time with the decision.

All responses welcome!
Thanks!

You typically don't list scholarships on a CV...