Public Health - Does the Ranking Matter?

[MPHIT]

I am accepted at the University of Pittsburgh and the University at Buffalo for a Masters of Public Health. Both are state schools in their respective state, but I am a NYS resident so the University at Buffalo is about 50K less than Pittsburgh. However, Pittsburgh is the #11 ranked school and connected to the UPMC renowned hospital system. The University at Buffalo is ranked #36 and has comparable course requirements to Pittsburgh. Will the Pittsburgh name give me 50k back upon graduation? Is the nature of the MPH degree one that students should go to the top ranked school that they are accepted to even if this means going into financial debt? I plan on working upon graduation, not pursuing a PhD.

 

Thanks for the help. I need to make a decision by April 15!!

[GeoDUDE!]

Why do u have to make a decision by april 15th if there is no funding attached ?

[MPHIT]

I have no clue. The acceptance letter asked for a decision by that date. I'm assuming so that they can determine class size and accept more students if others decline, but thats just my thought.

 

I was only admitted to the program a this past monday which doesnt leave a lot of time to decide. I asked for an extension, so hopefully they approve.

[themmases]

I work with a lot of MPHs and it does not seem to matter. The degree is useful in health-related fields but, like many professional credentials, it's very common to earn it while working rather than by being immersed in a particular school. IMO quantitative skills, language skills, and work experience are the most important. Focus on going to an accredited program you can afford, in an area you want to work, that will give you good preparation in biostatistics and is likely to involve an internship or capstone project relevant to your goal job.

 

This is an interesting post about being marketable with an MPH that someone posted recent in the public health forum: http://www.bdkeller.com/2014/02/is-there-a-global-health-bubble-or-should-you-get-an-mph/

 

It focuses specifically on global health, which is growing and competitive. From the perspective of someone working in clinical research, school reputation can matter but nowhere near as much as stats knowledge. And smaller schools with no particular national reputation can still be very well thought of in the city or region where they're located, which is perfect for you as long as you pick a school in the region where you want to work.

 

Seriously though, avoid debt. MPHs generally don't get rich. Use the Bureau of Labor Statistics and job sites like Glassdoor and Indeed to get an idea of your likely salary as a new grad, and refuse to take on debt that a realistic salary for you couldn't service.