How do I choose between MSWs in USA city? Is the extra expense of a high tuition program worthwhile?

[J_G]

Hello all,

I am looking at both Masters of Social Work and Masters Of Counselling programs in my city in the USA right now. (For this post, no need to talk about the Counselling programs - I'll save that for a different place.) There are a lot of schools and I have many options. Right now I have six I will likely apply for; three of these are expensive schools (one is one of the top 5 MSW programs in the country) and the costs (JUST including direct school tuition costs) for these appear to be 40,000 to 70,000. One of them is a state school, also a highly reputable program, and is more like 20,000 total (probably my first choice). And then two of them are basically large community colleges (yes they have masters programs) and these are 30,000-40,000.

About me:

- I want to be a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and especially doing COUNSELLING, maybe other positions also like advocacy and/or working nonprofits. I also have a vision of someday doing really specialized trauma counseling for adults and children who have CPTSD, PTSD, and similar conditions, using techniques such as somatic therapies, EMDR, nature immersion/ecopsychology, and expressive arts therapies. This would probably be in a private practice, ideally with some kind of affiliate or referral network that helps me always have clients interested.

- I recently left a rigorous School Psychology masters program, realizing I am definitely not the right person for that job; I want to counsel, and use innovative techniques, while School Psychs are not guaranteed to be able to counsel, and can only use behavioral psych techniques and assessments basically due to liability issues with school districts/public money. I don't even believe I could do the good I want to do in that role; plus, it doesn't actually utilize my skills. Similarly, not really interested in School Social Work, because I think I'd feel extremely tied down and limited and frustrated by the school district being my client, but I do love the schedule of the school year as my primary work year.

-I completed my BA in 2010 and majored in Art and Anthropology at a school that does not use the standard GPA system. I know, I know. However, 2021-2023 I was a masters students in a rigorous, mental health field (School Psychology) program and had a 3.6 GPA. I've also worked in a range of fields, including Massage Therapy and Substitute Teaching for Special Ed.

- I am extremely economically poor and already have plenty of student debt. I want to save as much money as possible on the rest of my education - which is why I'm trying to understand why a much larger investment may (or may not) be worthwhile. I have disabilities which prevent me from being able to do a lot of work right now, and I probably won't be able to make much money until I can start working in the (social work or counselling) field and making income.

- I am interested in FULL TIME enrollment for the degree for many reasons, and I am 35 years old, so not the typical student. It would be great to be in a learning environment where my fellow students are really interested in class engagement and discussion and connection. I am an enthusiastic student, and a large part of that is the classroom social learning time.

 

A person I met who has been a Social Worker for decades told me that the main difference between the "community college" type schools vs. the more expensive, competitive schools is the internship opportunities. I'm guessing the quality of resources and supports available for students may also differ, but honestly, I don't know how to really tell before enrolling and trying all this out.

I am signed up to go to info sessions for all these programs this Fall.

How should I choose which to apply to and at which to ultimately enroll? I'm especially wondering about whether the massively more expensive schools are really worth that additional expense.

I welcome suggestions. Thank you!

Edited September 9, 2023 by J_G
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