What's the difference..?

[plaster]

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Aspiring DPT student here with more questions:

In general: what's going to be the main difference between a $150k DPT education and an $80k DPT education?

I've already done the private school route for undergrad in a different field, and the biggest perk I've found is people getting excited by the school name on my CV etc. But I know plenty of talented folks who went to less "sexy" schools who are doing just fine. So is it really that you're just paying for connections no matter what the field is? Or are there things like *drastically* better facilities, drastically better faculty, etc.? I can tell you we had a lot of crummy faculty (amongst lots of actually good professors) at my fancypants school, and plenty of mediocre students whose parents helped update facilities etc.

Is it better to quit my job and relocate to NYC for a year (to (re)gain residency) and hope that I get into Hunter/Stony Brook, or should I stay where I am and look at local schools?

 

[Azimuthal]

$70k

Honesty, only you can answer the last Q. What do you want? What best fits you? What is more practical for you, in your situation?

 

[plaster]

Since I am a relative stranger to this field, I'm trying to get a feel for whether the school you go to actually makes a difference in the opportunities you'll have after graduation.

 

[Azimuthal]

Since I am a relative stranger to this field, I'm trying to get a feel for whether the school you go to actually makes a difference in the opportunities you'll have after graduation.

I have seen nor read any evidence that suggests where you attend PT school will provide you with any advantages over another. Assuming compared programs are accredited, etc.

 

[nicolej5]

a lot of people want to say that going to a larger more recognized school affords one with more networking and opportunities, but I personally don't buy it. A dpt is a dpt regardless of where it comes from; as long as the graduation and pass rates are high, who cares where you get it?? Go for the less expensive school unless that's not an option. If you're worried about going to a smaller school and not making as many connections, then put some effort in and make yourself recognized (go introduce yourself to area pt's, go talk to professors regularly-many of them are adjunct faculty and if not they still have good connections) and you will be just fine. Good luck with whatever you choose!

 

[okramango]

Every practicing PT I have spoken to has said that students should go to the school with the lowest tuition that they can find, as long as the school has good pass rates for the licensing exam. PT seems to be one field where prestigious schools do not matter so much in terms of future employment and salary. Personally, I chose to move out of state for PT school because all of the programs in my state are outrageously expensive, and I will end up paying less even with out of state tuition in other states. I want to pay off my student loans as soon as possible and move on with my life.

 

[NewTestament]

In general, go with the less expensive (I don't want to say 'cheaper') school. As others have said here, all that matters is the pass rate. If the school is preparing the students for the board exam, then fine. A private school won't get you any farther or earn you more money.

However, if you get accepted to a private school and not a state school, then I would go to the private school. If you reject the acceptance, there's no guarantee that it will accept you next year. You could wait years to get into a state school. I got rejected by both state schools and had no choice. Some states only have one school (MS) so I'm sure the competition is fierce. Also, if a private school with a high pass rate accepts you, and a state school with a low pass rate accepts you, go to the private school. Ultimately you have to pass, regardless how much tuition you pay.

State schools aren't always cheaper either. Texas schools are pretty cheap for IS students, but in another thread someone said CA schools were almost as expensive as private schools.

Kevin

 

[nomattic]

I feel like maybe this issue has been beaten to death by pre-PT students, yet we may lack the experience to say for sure. I think we should start asking PT graduates or current students in the PT forum who are attending or have attended these insanely expensive programs. Are they happy with the decision or regretting it? I'd be curious to know.

 

[Azimuthal]

I feel like maybe this issue has been beaten to death by pre-PT students, yet we may lack the experience to say for sure. I think we should start asking PT graduates or current students in the PT forum who are attending or have attended these insanely expensive programs. Are they happy with the decision or regretting it? I'd be curious to know.

I'm attending a private school and have no regret yet. I'm married and have a 5 month old that stays in CA as I attend school. I'm older and a career changer. When my wife and I sat down and spoke about which school I should attend, we did a cost analysis AND a loan repayment analysis based on her income, expenses, anticipated expenses (new car), an annual vacation and my anticipated income of a modest $60k (if I don't go back active duty, even better financially if I do). She currently pays for interest accrued. A very supportive family doesn't hurt either. My family and I are Cambodian refugees and so having me attend higher learning is a big deal.

Although I can't attest to graduate experience, I can tell you one thing. The outlook is not as bad with a family. I have seen discussions on this board that having a family and loans is a taboo. I don't see it. Although we're no DINKS (double income no kids), our baby expenses are mitigated by grandparents (baby sitting - we still pay them - just because) and a baby shower that set us up for the next 3 years. Although our situation may be unique, it was also due to careful planning. We also come from a modest background and we plan to keep things that way. We don't need an Acura or Lexus, name brand clothing, etc.

Everything is going well so far, but we will see after graduation. HA! If anyone has any questions pertaining to something they believe I can answer, do ask.

 

[jblil]

As Azimuthal mentioned above, the key is to do a cost analysis + a loan repayment analysis, taking into account your household expenses and potential salaries. Set it up on Excel, play with different scenarios and see how it works out. That way, if you do decide to attend a private university, you'll know ahead of time what you'll be facing when you graduate.