MPH - the importance of "brand"

[indecisa]

Hello!

I am just wondering what people think about the importance of attending a "name brand" (i.e. Hopkins, Harvard etc) institution as opposed to just getting a MPH at a solid, lower-tier school? Do employers really care WHERE your MPH comes from, enough so to make it worth the extra expense to attend one of the more prestigious schools? Do you think it will eventually pay for itself, or is the name on your MPH less important than your cumulative work experience, performance etc? Does it make enough of a difference that it's worth the financial sacrifice?

Thanks!

[rpcv83]

I think you have to also factor in what type of career you want to have. I'm applying to doctoral programs in public health, but I spent a lot of time considering doing an MPH first. I think there are some schools that are "lower-tier," but are respected locally and have lots of local connections, so if your intention was to stay in the area, you would probably do perfectly well with that. On the other hand, if you go to a name brand school, there is probably a vast career network and it will be known anywhere.

Hello!

I am just wondering what people think about the importance of attending a "name brand" (i.e. Hopkins, Harvard etc) institution as opposed to just getting a MPH at a solid, lower-tier school? Do employers really care WHERE your MPH comes from, enough so to make it worth the extra expense to attend one of the more prestigious schools? Do you think it will eventually pay for itself, or is the name on your MPH less important than your cumulative work experience, performance etc? Does it make enough of a difference that it's worth the financial sacrifice?

Thanks!