Is everyone basing their grad school decision off money/funding?

[FLSLP2018]

So I've been reading through a lot of the posts here and it seems like a lot of people are basing their decision off which school is the least expensive or where they get funding. I just wanted some feedback on this because I applied to a lot of highly ranked programs, all out of state and then one school a little lower ranked but still great that's in-state. So just out of curiosity what are you basing your decision off and if it's money, why? 

[Auuudriana]

I didn't. I got into a less expensive school off the waitlist, and decided not to go there even though it was waaaaaaaaaay cheaper (and I went there for undergrad). I weighed all the pros and cons and in the end I chose the more expensive school because of its reputation for its physical therapy program (#1 in US) and brand new clinic. 

[snoves]

It really depends on you, but a lot of people recommend going to the place that is cheapest since there isn't any importance in school ranking in this field--if you have your degree, license, and are eligible to earn your CCC's, you'll find a job easily.

[jpiccolo]

Second the above post. Ranking shouldn't be your priority. People are in way too much debt for this field for what starting salaries are. As long as the program is strong then cheap is a bonus. 

[indiebb]

Yes, that is likely how I'll be making my decision unless I only get into one school or prices are very similar. Grad school seems like the most important thing in our life right now, but frankly, I'd rather be mildly unhappy in a grad program for two years than be crippled with debt for the rest of my life.

[aelwood14]

I am glad you posted this... I am having similar concerns. I applied to 9 programs and the cost of tuition ranges from $16,000-$59,0000.  I know that if I am accepted into more than one program that I should choose the school that will be most financially feasible. But at the same time, I should also choose whichever program I believe will be the best fit for me, regardless of how much it costs.  

[broca's aphasia]

If you’re planning on pursuing a PhD in the future, or your interests are more medically oriented, that’s usually when you can consider some of the higher ranking schools with higher tuition costs.  I applied to a program that will only end up being about 20,000 in tuition throughout the length of the program, so very cheap compared to my other options, but chances are I won’t accept it even if I am accepted because my interests are heavily medical and the program just wouldn’t give me what others could.  

[xoxoaimee]

x

Edited February 6, 2018 by xoxoaimee

[AlwaysaFalcon]

I choose a school that is cheaper much for the reasons stated above. I wanted to save myself some money and be responsible about my future with debt as I have enough already from my undergraduate degree. It's up to you though what you want to do. I know that between at the time the two schools I was deciding between it was a $25,000 difference not including living expenses. So for me that mattered and the school I ended up attending was accredited vs a candidate school.

[purplefuzz2]

I did not choose the cheapest program that I got accepted to but I did choose the program where I thought I was getting the most for my money. I do however live in a state with lots of great programs with in state tuition to choose from.