So, we got in. Now...how to pay public health tuition?

[katethekitcat]

Now that the first joy of, "I've been accepted somewhere!" is starting to wear off, we - or at least I - am beginning to search universtities' "finance and tuition pages."

 

Of course, I looked when I was applying, but it didn't mean as much then, and it was definitely less exciting than the department pages.

 

So, the question arises: how is everyone planning to finance their degree? Most programs I've seen run at least $20,000 a year - not including living expenses. Despite many universities claiming, "Our students often have part time jobs or TAships," we're all cogniscent adults aware of the fact a part-time job may not even covering just living expenses and that TAships/graduate assistantships are coveted by all, held by few. And closer inspection into the line, "We have many generous scholarships," usually means one or two with incredibly specific requirements for consideration.

 

Thoughts on this question? How will you finance your degree? To what role do you expect finances will play a role in your decision of where to atend? Do you expect to take on debt?

 

And, perhaps most importantly: do you think the post-graduation job market makes it worth what we'll be paying? Is public health school really just a money-maker for universities? Are we just there to fund the PhD students?

[livenlearn]

Now that the first joy of, "I've been accepted somewhere!" is starting to wear off, we - or at least I - am beginning to search universtities' "finance and tuition pages."

 

Of course, I looked when I was applying, but it didn't mean as much then, and it was definitely less exciting than the department pages.

 

"So, the question arises: how is everyone planning to finance their degree? Most programs I've seen run at least $20,000 a year - not including living expenses. Despite many universities claiming, "Our students often have part time jobs or TAships," we're all cogniscent adults aware of the fact a part-time job may not even covering just living expenses and that TAships/graduate assistantships are coveted by all, held by few. And closer inspection into the line, "We have many generous scholarships," usually means one or two with incredibly specific requirements for consideration.

 

Thoughts on this question? How will you finance your degree? To what role do you expect finances will play a role in your decision of where to atend? Do you expect to take on debt?

 

And, perhaps most importantly: do you think the post-graduation job market makes it worth what we'll be paying? Is public health school really just a money-maker for universities? Are we just there to fund the PhD students?"

@katethekitkat . It really depends on the school you are going to. Some will offer you some sort of financial aid and others won't ....  

[GeoDUDE!]

Now that the first joy of, "I've been accepted somewhere!" is starting to wear off, we - or at least I - am beginning to search universtities' "finance and tuition pages."

 

Of course, I looked when I was applying, but it didn't mean as much then, and it was definitely less exciting than the department pages.

 

So, the question arises: how is everyone planning to finance their degree? Most programs I've seen run at least $20,000 a year - not including living expenses. Despite many universities claiming, "Our students often have part time jobs or TAships," we're all cogniscent adults aware of the fact a part-time job may not even covering just living expenses and that TAships/graduate assistantships are coveted by all, held by few. And closer inspection into the line, "We have many generous scholarships," usually means one or two with incredibly specific requirements for consideration.

 

Thoughts on this question? How will you finance your degree? To what role do you expect finances will play a role in your decision of where to atend? Do you expect to take on debt?

 

And, perhaps most importantly: do you think the post-graduation job market makes it worth what we'll be paying? Is public health school really just a money-maker for universities? Are we just there to fund the PhD students?

 

 

I would never pay for any graduate schooling, Period.

[katethekitcat]

livenlearn, just to clarify: I am talking about a master's in public health, not a PhD, so, in 90% of cases, funding/financial aid will be silm.

 

 

I would never pay for any graduate schooling, Period.

 

GeoDUDE, as much as I would like to share that sentiment and still enter the field of study I wish to, it may not be possible. I'm assuming geodynamics is always funded - science programs almost always are - but MPHs and even MS degrees in public health usually aren't. Since I happen to be fascinated by infectious disease and want to pursue it as a career, if I said, "I'm never going to pay for graduate school," well, my career wouldn't involve infectious disease.

 

I respect your standard to never pay tuition, but that's not particularly helpful to those of us who, by our very act of applying, have committed to paying tuition. I wouldn't ever take a class that involves geodynamics, because that sounds about as fun as punching myself in the face. However, there are some who would and the world needs them - similar to how your life strongly benefits because of  suckers like me who will pay for a public health education. I wouldn't go to a forum discussing what type of research people want to do in geodynamics and post, "I would never go to graduate school for geodynamics. Period." It's not helpful to thsoe who are studying geodynamics. Someone in a different field who would never pay for graduate school doesn't help others figure out how to pay. And that's what we're trying to do on this conversation thread - make the process easier.

 

Although, like I said, I would so love to not pay for graduate school!

[123hardasABC]

I plan on taking out loans and working (TA/research/whatever will take me). $20K a year is actually reasonable. Most schools I've applied to are $20K a semester.....

[livenlearn]

@katethekitcat.. i know you are talking about mphs etc some programs offer loans and some TA postions . that's pretty much it.

[NeurosciMRI]

This is why applying early is so important. You get in early and then you have time to research TA/GSI/GSA positions, email professors, get more information about housing, and qualify for more scholarships.

 

To answer the thread starter's question: I will be financing my MPH via scholarships. I have applied to be an RA for free room and board. I am also an AmeriCorps VISTA and so I will use the $5,500 education award towards my education. Because I plan to attend medical school after I obtain my MPH, paying off the loans should not be as difficult. If obtaining an MPH is your terminal degree then I would definitely look into obtaining TA positions. Thats the best way to avoid paying large tuition costs. Finances usually never play a role in which school I go to because I try to be proactive and seek out scholarships/opportunities while I am a student. Where I am attending school for my MPH is expensive since I am an out of state student, however I think the average salary for their epidemiology graduates is $64,000, which is decent.