University of San Diego OR Pepperdine MFT?

[2BeDentist]

Alrighty, so here's the dealio: I got in both USD and Pepperdine's Master's in clinical psych program with focus on marriage and family therapy.

Both are private universities = high tuition.
Both are nationally acreditted programs.
Both religiously-affiliated universities, but I'm not a Christian. Or, religious.

Now, notwitstanding the above, which is a better program? USD or Pepperdine?

Anyone currently attending these programs at USD/Peperdine or know someone who go there... please share your two cents!!

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[2BeDentist]

Anyone? 🙁

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Why not an in-state school?

I'm guessing you'd have to take on a lot of debt for the education, and that may or may not make sense.

 

[tears for susan]

Yes, why not a state school? There are a number of them that offer the program at a fraction of the cost of a private university.
As for USD and Pepperdine, i cant say much about the specifics of how good they are, which is better, etc., but i do understand them to both be good schools. I wouldnt worry too much about the religious affiliation issue.

 

[2BeDentist]

Thanks for replying, guys! Yay!!!! 😀

As for "why not a state school?" ... mmm, well, I want to start a program for Spring 2009. And Pepperdine and USD both admitted me since they happen to also offer these programs for Spring. But after reading your replies... I'm in a bit of a quandary... close to a 1000/unit does concern me, along with housing and food.... meh, depressing.

Just a side question... I was just checking San Diego State University's tuition costs for grad students... it said $1,542 for 0-6 units. Does that mean if a person takes a TOTAL of, say, 6 units... then he/she would ONLY be paying $1,542?? OR, does it mean $1,542 for EACH unit (1542 X 6)???

 

[tears for susan]

Thanks for replying, guys! Yay!!!! 😀

As for "why not a state school?" ... mmm, well, I want to start a program for Spring 2009. And Pepperdine and USD both admitted me since they happen to also offer these programs for Spring. But after reading your replies... I'm in a bit of a quandary... close to a 1000/unit does concern me, along with housing and food.... meh, depressing.

Just a side question... I was just checking San Diego State University's tuition costs for grad students... it said $1,542 for 0-6 units. Does that mean if a person takes a TOTAL of, say, 6 units... then he/she would ONLY be paying $1,542?? OR, does it mean $1,542 for EACH unit (1542 X 6)???

Im pretty sure it is $1,542 for up to a total of six units, which is a good thing.


It sounds like you are eager to jump right into training, but it may be more pragmatic to wait until fall semester if it means going to an inexpensive school (and applications are still being accepted at this time). Also keep in mind that both San Diego and Malibu are very expensive places to live. On top of almost $1000 per unit, you are going to be in quite a bit of debt after school. Look at alternatives such as Humboldt State, where they charge just less than $200 per unit and have a small student to faculty ratio for the MFT program. I think most state schools that offer the program can give you similar deals.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

In-state tuition should be a fraction of the cost. Some people will pay "out of state" tuition if they have not been a local resident for a certain amount of time, but it seems like you are a local. Delaying a semester to save $5-10,000 seems like a small compromise.

 

[2BeDentist]

How do people afford these expensive private universities' tuition then? I mean... a lot of these top-ranked unis we hear about are private institutions... if I were to go out of state (I'm from California), I'd pay even more.

Even if I get into a state school, I'm still getting loans. True that I'm gonna save a lot if I wait. But my situation is such that I have no choice but to start grad school in Spring 09.

I don't have rich parents. How do I afford these schools if I REALLY want to just go there......? 😕

 

[erg923]

But my situation is such that I have no choice but to start grad school in Spring 09.

😕

Im curious about this if you dont mind. How could you have "no choice" but to go to grad school this year?

PS: Almost all Ph.D. programs in psych are financially support their students (meaning you pay zero tuition and get an annual stipend that covers living expenses). This is how people get their doctorates in psych. I do not have rich parents either. People who do psy.D programs take out massive loans that are burdersome to pay back.

 

[2BeDentist]

erg923, please check you inbox. 🙂