Northeastern/William & Mary/University of Delaware- School Psychology EdS

[schoolpsycher]

I'm having such a hard time deciding which School Psychology EdS program to attend. I've lived in Boston for the past 6 years and loved Northeastern's program on the interview day/could really see myself there, but they have zero assistantships or scholarships--so I'd likely have to take out at least $40,000 in loans over the 2 years (in addition to $22,000 in loans I already have from undergrad). I recently found out school psychologists qualify for a government loan forgiveness program after 10 years, so maybe this wouldn't be as terrible as I'm thinking, although I REALLY don't want anymore loans. Not to mention the price of living in Boston.

 

I loved University of Delaware when I visited as well, but it's very far from where I'm from and my family (and friends), so I'm mostly hesitant about the location. But this program does seem to have a VERY good reputation in the field, and I'm confident it would prepare me really well. They're also great about funding, and even though I haven't gotten an assistantship yet, everyone has in the past for about a 50% tuition waiver and a stipend of ~ $16,000 a year. I wish I could just transplant this program in Boston. I'm also nervous because I currently don't drive/have my license (although I know how to drive), but I would definitely have to buy a car/insurance to go there, which is an extra expense to think about there.

 

Don't really know much about William and Mary's reputation in the field, but I also liked it. They are also good about funding as well, but the same car situation would apply there too.

 

Curious if anyone knows anything about these programs! Or if anyone has any advice in general. I don't want to pick a program largely for its location (but it would be nice to be where I already have a support system), and I'm also wondering if the debt is doable for this field. 

[iphi]

I think you should consider which state you would like to work in after graduation, for licensing purposes. It would be so much easier to do it all in the same state. I know you can probably do your internship in any state though (at least PhDs can, I'm assuming EdS students can too) so I guess you have more time to decide?

 

What I would do is weigh a bunch of categories: prestige, finances/cost of living/location and giving each category a certain weight. Then rank them and see what happens. It's a starting point, anyway, and you may see where your heart truly lies!

 

Good luck!