MSW does it matter what school you go to?

[LittleDarlings]

I have been browsing this site for a while, and recently saw a post that calculated about 150,000 dollars in loans without interest from one particular school.  I know that SW is not a high paying field and I know I want to pursue this.  Thinking about the 4 schools I am applying to, Case Western Reserve, University of Kentucky, Ohio State, and University of Pittsburgh, 2 of those schools are extremely expensive. Is it worth it to go to an expensive school?  My therapist when to Case and I know it is a great school, it is #9 ranked in SW programs.  The problem is it is also 40,000 a year.  I live in Ohio so I could live at home (not ideal) while I go to school but it really is not what I want however it will be less expensive and I won't have to take out additional loans to live out of state.  I know Kentucky is ranked #44 which is a lot further down but it is about 40,000 for both years however I will be living in KY and have to take out loans to live on.  Pitt is a little more expensive than Kentucky but ranked #11 again I would need loans to live.  Finally with OSU I am an Ohio resident so all together their program is about 30,000 (maybe a little more) for 2 years however I will need money to live on because I am 2 hours from Cbus.   

 

I was lucky because I don't have undergrad loans but I am just worried. Like I said I know SW isn't high paying, I will graduate and more than likely make 40,000 a year.  My question is does the school matter? Would I find a job easier with a degree from Case compared to UK? If I went to UK would I get overlooked when it came time to find work? I want to set myself up for the best financial future however I don't want to drown in debt because I picked a top school, if that makes sense? 

[briefinterviews]

There are lots of existing threads on this topic that offer some good insight. Ultimately, you have to decide what your own goals, preferences, and priorities are, and what concessions or sacrifices you are willing and comfortable in making.

 

Talking to current students in the programs you are interested in and getting an idea of what sort of funding opportunities are available and what students do to defray the cost of attendance/living can help put things more into perspective. The ticket price for my program is pretty expensive--but I think it is rare that anyone pays full price. For me, I have reduced the cost through paid field placements, a part-time research job, and some fellowship money.

[Lola1233]

I would dare to say that no, it does not matter much where you get your MSW from. That being said, I will echo briefinterviews in that it is a very personal decision based on a variety of factors in your life. If money is even a small concern for you (which I am guessing it is because you've brought up the issue), then I'd consider the debt very seriously. It's also a very stressful program so consider your support system too. Feel free to PM me if you have personal questions for me. I can weigh in if you're thinking of a macro career.