HELP!!MSW Columbia or WUSTL????

[Sophia-Z]

I got admitted by Columbia and WUSTL MSW program. Columbia doesn't offer any scholarship and requires that international studenst should take a English summer school($9000). full-time student Tuition+living=$70000/per year!!!! WUSTL offers $15000 scholarship. Tuition+living=$58000/per year. 

Columbia is a well-known univ in our country. It seems that NY is a good location.  But WUSTL is  very good at social work and costs less. When applying for jobs, which one will bring me more benefits??

 

Which one should I choose?? I really need some advice, please help!!

 

PS: Is there any possibility for master program students to change their majors?? I'm also interested in SIPA. 

[HKsai]

First Congratz! I personally would choose washu. It's number one for social work and you save bunch of money. To me it's a no brainer. Although I would not wanna live in the south. Tbh I think washu is just as well known as Columbia in the state. Tough but clear choice I feel like. Again Congratz!

[Sophia-Z]

First Congratz! I personally would choose washu. It's number one for social work and you save bunch of money. To me it's a no brainer. Although I would not wanna live in the south. Tbh I think washu is just as well known as Columbia in the state. Tough but clear choice I feel like. Again Congratz!

Thx a lot! I finally choose WUSTL~~Where will you go??

[HKsai]

Thx a lot! I finally choose WUSTL~~Where will you go??

Yay!!! Seriously both amazing schools!!! So excited for you . I'm still waiting on northwestern but if things don't work out there then NYU it is

PS: you are talking about switching degree during your master? it is extremely rare I believe especially considering you are getting a sizable amount of money and the two majors are most of the time from two different schools within the university.

Edited April 1, 2014 by HKsai

[justastudent]

WashU is a very well-regarded school in the US. I don't know about transferring to public policy. I think people would end up getting both MSW and MPP/MPA. The semesters go by so fast. I don't think you'll have time to switch before you have completed a year, which will be half the program right? At some schools you can arrange to do a dual degree where the practicum hours can count toward both degree if needed. It really depends on what kind of job you want after you graduate and where. If you want some kind of international policy position then I think Columbia could position you well especially if you fold in SIPA or SIPA classes into your program. If you want to become a clinical social worker in the US either school would be great. In fact at these price tags you could go to a cheaper school and have a great social work career. If you want to go on to apply to the social work PhD, then look at the professors' specific research interests at each school. That way you can try to get some research experience while you are there. keep us posted