Hi All!
I just got my financial aid from Columbia, and everything would be covered (including living expenses) with my financial aid package, which includes a grad plus loan and a stafford loan. They only gave me a $7,000/yr scholarship. The only reason I would go to Columbia would be for the name, which I don't think is a good enough decision factor. I hear the program is excellent, but really big with somewhat large class sizes. While Columbia it is internationally recognized as being an amazing university, within NYC Hunter is looked at on the same level of prestige for social work, if not higher.
I also got into Yeshiva University with a scholarship that would cover the cost of tuition in combination with the Stafford Loan. I get the feeling Yeshiva offers an amazing education with small class sizes, but I'm afraid people would think I'm really religious with a degree from there, besides it being a secular program. What do people think?
I was interviewed for Hunter's program by a woman who got her MSW from Columbia because she was rejected from Hunter. The tuition at Hunter is extremely affordable, and I would rather go to a school that makes itself accessible for people of all financial backgrounds. I really hope I get in! I should find out within 2-4 weeks.
I just thought I'd give my own personal insight to see what others think. I want to open a private practice one day, and am not too sure how the school name would factor into my ability to get a nice client base or position at an organization. I like to think that good people get good jobs, not good schools. And I think Hunter offers competitive field placements.
I hope everyone is managing well with the whole waiting game!!