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GW has a fine MPH program. Do you know what funding they have available? Unfortunately, there is typically very little funding available for MPH students. Is going part-time and staying at your job an option? If so, you might want to consider that route. Many of my friends went for their MPH part-time for this reason. I wouldn't worry as much about the reputation of the school as the courses you take and what you get out of the program. In global health especially, I feel like it's really easy to go through taking interesting content courses instead of learning hard skills. You can always learn the content later, so be sure to take lots of epi and biostats, and probably some monitoring and evaluation courses. Having just gone through many applications to hire someone for a public health position, I can tell you that the name of the school didn't really matter. I was much more concerned with skills. Definitely learn SAS. So in a nutshell, go to the best school that makes the most financial sense and make sure you get a lot out of the program. It can really be as good as you make it, so take the time to take skills classes, work with professors, and get a great practicum experience. Good luck!

Hi Kelya, When it comes to getting a job, I would worry more about doing well in your program and making strong connections with faculty and practicum advisors than going to the top-ranked school. Any accredited school of public health will give you decent training, but it's up to you to make the best of that training wherever you end up. But if you're worried about it, my advice would be to pick a range of schools to apply to. I know that more schools = bigger application fee, but it will be worth it if you get into multiple programs and can then compare their ranking/courses/financial aid packages (though in my experience there is limited money available for MPH students). Since you'll be applying with SOPHAS, the only thing you have to lose by applying to more competitive programs is the increased fee and the minimal time it takes to tailor your essay for each school. Good luck!

Hey edge, I got an email from the OSFS three days after I got the acceptance email. It directed me to the myfinaid page, where it detailed the loans they are so generously offering me. It is my understanding that unless you're in cancer or environment, the epi department is not the best place for funding. I agree that the allure is so tempting, but without some kind of financial package I'm not sure it's worth it. It sounds like Toronto would be a good place for psychiatric epi, with access to CAMH and everything. What do you think of the department? I'm hoping to hear from them soon so I can visit if I get in. I have a feeling it might be awhile though...

Hi raredisease, I'm not sure if I'll accept the offer from Harvard. I'm interested in reproductive epi and they don't really have much money in that area, which is really unfortunate. I got a better financial offer from BU, so we'll see. I'm waiting on a financial package from Illinois at Chicago (I don't expect too much) and still waiting on admissions decisions from Minnesota, Pittsburgh, and Toronto. I'm so sick of waiting! Hope everyone had a nice weekend!

Hi raredisease, Congrats on the acceptances! How did you hear about funding from Harvard? I was accepted via form email over the weekend, but no mention of funding or when they would be sending more info. Thanks!