Top MPH Programs... What are your opinions?

[foodie2008]

So I am getting ready to apply for MPH programs with a concentration in Health Management and Policy. I am looking at all the schools and they are so expensive. The current ones I am looking at are Emory, Columbia, Univ of Arizona, Boston University, University of Michigan and UC Berkeley.

What do you guys think of these schools? Are there any other schools I should apply to that are not listed? Are there any programs that are relatively less expensive, but still offer a great education and have high job placement?

Thanks everyone!

[foodie2008]

Oh and students who are currently in these programs or are alumni would be verrrrry helpful! I would love to hear about these programs and what students really think... not just what the school website says!

[radjojo]

Hi. I was looking into the UC Berkeley program--the new online 80/20 as I am local. The PH dept and college both have a great reputation, to be sure, the admissions to the program are extremely competitive, and the cost of living in the bay area (local knowledge) is very high. Although I do not know your personal financial situation, I would caution you, that the UC sysytem is constantly raising tuition rates--California is broke! Other areas of study in the state universities are being held up due to funding, and although I do not know this to be true for Berkeley or for the PH programs, I had considered an MHA prior to a MPH in Health Policy, and was disenchanted with that whole scenario.

However, Berkeley does hold a very high rank and will definitely open doors. The bay area is a very diverse area and community with mild weather and an appealing off-campus life being just a short drive to San Francisco, Yosemite, and Tahoe, just to name a few.

If you can get in, and you can afford it, give it a shot!! The cost was prohibitive for me, so I recently applied to UMass Amherst and New York Medical College's online programs, for Spring 2013. I have a small child and am desirous of being at home with her as long as I can, so this is why I went this route.

Good Luck!!

[foodie2008]

Wow Radjojo, thanks for the detailed post! I feel like almost all schools are going through budget cuts and rising their tuition costs . But after looking at all the schools, they cost pretty much the same all together ranging from 900-1200 dollars a credit. But this is just through my research, so I am unsure how much aid is generally given.

How do the online programs differ in price?

[TypeA]

For the public schools, you may want to look into state residency requirements. If moving and working for a year or two is feasible for you, I know at UMich the in-state cost of tuition is close to half that of out-of-state... $22k/yr instead of ~$40k/yr. Buut I believe the policy in MI is that you have to be working full-time for two years before you can achieve residency (I think it has stricter requirements than most). I'm not familiar with the other schools/states.

[radjojo]

With the research I did, CEPH accredited schools ranged from 500-900/cr. Most programs were between 40 and 50 credits. The out of state tuition is most usually the same for in state--which is also a bonus! If considering an online program, make sure and inquire HOW much online it is. Emory has an online as does Hopkins, but they require SOME on campus time--meaning if you don't live somewhat local, the program may not be for you. UC Berkeley's online program was 80/20, but the 20 was like 1 day/ qtr, which isn't bad if you can afford the travel/accommodations for that, I suppose.

[kta333]

Look at state schools, particularly where you have state residency. I got into a top 15 school, accepted, and then I got the bill for my first semester's tuition. I had maxed out on federal loans and that only covered half the tuition - it didn't even include the cost of living, books, and everything else. I decided to withdraw from the school and go to a much smaller, less prestigious, less well known program at a state school. I am now paying around $12,000 for the entire degree vs $60,000 or more for the other. So far, it has not hurt me in the least. I concentrated in health policy and have been involved in really amazing internships in the DC area and have gotten a job offer with over a semester to go in the program. Unless money is not an issue, you should go to a cheaper school. An MPH program is not a JD or MBA program where the ranking and name of your school matter a lot more. MPH graduates also can't expect the same salaries that many law school and business school graduates can. I have a feeling I will not regress not tripling my student loan load in the end.

[ZeroFlux]

I have personal experience with coursework in Emory's Health Policy & Management. Overall, the program is pretty strong. There are many opportunities for work study in Atlanta, though perhaps a little less than might be found in D.C. I can't speak to the strength of other schools, since HPM is not my primary area of focus. The degree certainly isn't cheap from Emory, however.

Do you know if you're gravitating towards policy or management?

[foodie2008]

Thanks for the info guys! I think I will be going towards management.

[MelissaSteele]

Have you considered USC's MPH Program? From what I'm reading it's about 30k but the reputation is phenomenal. They do have an Online option too.