Rankings

[vermonter]

Hi All,

So I've recently been considering an MSW, with a longer term goal of becoming an LCSW. I've been looking at various schools, and several top ones appeal to me (BC, WUSTL, U Chicago, Smith) but I also worry about their sticker price.

On the other hand, I am a Vermont resident, and UVM has an MSW program. UVM is ranked #66 by US News.

Now, I personally think the whole ranking system is BS, but I was wondering: how important are these rankings in terms of future job prospects? I know that in academia, a school's reputation can really make or break you. I'm not trying to draw any meaningful similarities between an MSW and a PhD in History; I'm just wondering if it's worth the financial (and geographic) sacrifice to shoot for a top-tier school in social work, as it arguably is in other fields.

Any advice?

P.S. I don't have my heart set on living in VT for the rest of my life, or even for the next 10 years. I don't have my heart set on leaving, though, either.

[citychild]

Here is a great post about prestige/rankings:

I am in a similar position as you--however, there is only one MSW program in my state and one I am uncomfortable attending. I am applying to approx 3 cheaper schools (all less than $13k) and 3 schools that are more expensive like BU. For me, the bottom line is the dollar sign as much as I wish it wasn't.