WashU vs. Hopkins

[Nutrition123]

Hi All, 

 

I've got a fully funded offer from WashU in their new public health sciences, versus a partially funded (100% first year, 50% 2-5) offer from Hopkins. It's difficult to turn down an offer from the #1 school of PH. At the same time, is it worth that debt/extra hassle? Would a degree from Hopkins pay for itself in the end? Would love your thoughts!

[letsdothis2015]

It depends on what department you will be going to.  Hopkins is Hopkins - it will definitely open more funding doors when you look at the actual name of the school in a grant application.  However, it depends on what you want to do with the degree.  WUSTL is great for health policy and health services.  Can you share more info?

[RainbowGold]

JHU and WUSTL are  both prestigious universities .Though, I'm probably biased since I'm a current student at Johns Hopkins.  From what I hear, WUSTL has a top-ranked medical school though if you're interested in working with them.

[Nutrition123]

I would be going for human nutrition. There are definitely people here at WashU but Hopkins has a whole department. 

[holykrp]

I think WashU is really trying to build up their public health programs and thus giving generous funding. Keep in mind that WashU is a global university with the #6 medical school in research. Yeah JHU is ranked a couple of notches higher but they're also going to be a lot more expensive. But, you do have to weigh the cost of paying 1 full year of tuition + 50% tuition for 4 more years versus the salary you will be making. If you think that it is worth the investment, then go to JHU. But, it's really hard to pass up full funding. Before you decide, really try to get a feel for what very specific opportunities you would definitely have at each school and do some basic cost/benefit analysis. With a PhD you may be able to get outside grants and funding in the later years as well, but of course that's more work and not guaranteed.

[1mh2015]

Hi, Nutrition123,

 

We share a very similar predicament. I've been admitted to both programs and feel like I'm comparing apples to oranges. Just thought I'd write and see if you're interested to chat or phone and compare notes, especially on WashU since we'd be in the same cohort there.