University of Denver - worth the pricetag?

[SaraElyse]

I've been admitted to the University of Denver, and while I'm very excited about it, I'm concerned about the pricetag. I was awarded a decent chunk of change via merit scholarship, however, I will still be responsible for a significant amount of money. Even WITH FAFSA.  I won't be making six figures when I graduate, so I'm wondering, can I really afford this university? Is it worth the struggle?

[Tactical]

Trying to weigh passion and practicality is not easy when considering graduate programs. Perhaps you should consider why you applied to the program initially. Was is the academics, research, faculty, career opportunities, internships, etc. that motivated you to apply? Those variables are really going to help you decide if the financial burden is going to be worth it or not. If you applied to additional programs, you could wait to see what type of financial assistance you are offered outside of DU and add that to the list of variables for your decision. There may also be external scholarships that you can still apply for to try and secure additional funding.

 

Honestly, I doubt you will find someone who knows more about your ability to afford DU, than you. Break down the costs, your other choices and your finances and make the investment that makes the most sense for you and your career goals.

Edited January 20, 2014 by Tactical

[lola9900]

Hi SaraElyse,

I'm still suffering from shock after reading how much tuition is at Univ. Denver.  I would recommend the "Professor's Insight:  Macro/Micro, Ivy/State" post (or the title similar to that found in the social work link.  There a professor of soc. welfare/work talks about whether to choose a pricey private/ivy school or a less costly state school. 

 

At the end of the day, you will be the one who needs to decide.  The basic jist from those on the forum is that for an MSW, it doesn't matter where you go to school...go cheap.  If you decide to pursue a PhD, then pick the pricey brand-name school.  But I know that Denver can  be heaven for many people...my brother moved there and absolutely loves the people, the beauty of it, and the outdoorsiness of it.  So, if you want to make the move there for other reasons beyond grad school, the hefty price tag may be worth it....

[SaraElyse]

I was hoping to find some people who attend DU or are currently applying to DU who could shed some light on the situation. DU is $15,000 more a year than some other private schools I applied to and I'm in search of some kind of rationale to justify that much debt. From the looks of it, it seems like a great program with unique options. However, we all know that things aren't always what they seem and it's best to get information from someone with first hand knowledge.

 

Personally, I have to disagree with the "it doesn't matter where you go" arguement. This will be my second master's degree. Having done my first at a small, virtually unknown beyond the local area, private school, I have come to learn that prestige and pedigree do count for something when applying for competitive jobs. But hey, that's just me and my two cents.

[anthony333]

I have quite a few co-workers who got their masters (env planning) at Denver.  All had good things to say and it really seems to be a school that networks well.

[geographyrocks]

I have applied to a different department at DU, and I think that if I'm not offered full tuition, I will decline.  Of course, if DU is the only school to accept me, then I have a very difficult choice.  Is your only option DU or are you still waiting to hear back from other schools?

[Lifesaver]

This is SaraElyse, I just changed my user name for a little more privacy.

 

I've been accepted to three schools thus far, so no, DU isn't my only option. DU did offer me a scholarship, but nowhere close to a full scholarship. I've recently been offered admission to an ivy league school with the same pricetag as DU (almost down to the penny), but I haven't heard if they're going to offer me any money yet. Even if they don't, I'm going to have a hard time convincing myself that turning down an ivy for a little scholarship money is worth it. It makes me a little nauseous thinking about it, still...

[geographyrocks]

That is a tough decision.  Hopefully, the Ivy school contacts you with a full tuition waiver and a stipend :-D

[Lifesaver]

I like the way you think! I hope so, too. Not holding my breath, though.

[Michelleturtle]

I applied to DU just a few days ago for MSW. I am anxious to find out what the admissions decision is. Personally, I have toured the campus and local area, and fell in love. There are great organizations throughout the city to intern at and specially homelessness,  my area of interest is prominent in Denver. I would warn you that Denver is much more progressive and liberal than most major cities, but there seems to be something for everyone. 

 

I am not worrying about the price tag at this point. If its a program that you feel is a good fit, I would go for it. 

And congrats on the Merit Scholarship! 

[lynchk12]

Hello,

I was wondering if you were willing to release your stats on the University of Denver? Your GPA, volunteer/work experience etc.? I am waiting for a decision on admission, and they said it should be soon. From the looks of it, they have a wonderful program. 

[Lifesaver]

I have a 3.83 GPA from my first master's degree that I finished in December, plus 8 years of work experience in a different public service profession. 3.5 years of volunteer experience included in that 8. 

[doallyoucan81]

Hey there.  Just wanted to chime in on this thread.  I have also been accepted to DU and am in love with the thought of doing my MSW there.  However, agreeing with SaraElyse and a few others, I am very worried about my ability to afford this school.  I did get a tuition scholarship and haven't heard back on my financial aid yet, but if I can't find a way to at least cut the cost of attending in half of what they estimate it to be I will be seriously considering finding another program.  I am 33yo and cannot fathom being that in debt starting a new career.  Please ease my anxiety on this matter.