NYU, Columbia, or Hunter for MSW?!?!

[SamK33]

For a New Yorker who wants to practice social work in a hospital, which is the best program for me?

Interested in a program that is less research based and tailored towards hospital work--especially in terms of field placement.

Accepted to NYU and Columbia, offered money at NYU. Pending interview at Hunter.

[Vulpix]

I am a current Hunter student (in Education) and the Social Worker at the middle school I teach at went to Columbia.  I think Columbia has a very strong reputation and placement for internships throughout the city.  I can't speak for hospital work, but every school I have worked at has had Columbia SW interns or employed its graduates.  As for Hunter, well, I've been underwhelmed academically (it's not challenging work), but that's been fine because I teach full time and was sort of half-assing my degree because I don't have time to dedicate to it... which is probably not what you are looking to do.

It's fantastic you were offered $$ at NYU though.  I just got accepted on Sunday for my second master's degree (this one I am not half-assing ) and they gave me nothing, which they are notorious for!

Edited February 24, 2016 by Heather1011

[juilletmercredi]

Columbia's SSW is really good - I have had lots of friends get their MSW there, they have had good placements and found good jobs throughout the city. The school has a great reputation in New York. However, it's very expensive, and unless you have significant personal funds the outlay of debt is going to greatly exceed your salary as a social worker.

NYU also has a good school of social work with a good reputation in New York - I am less familiar with it because I didn't go there, but the fact that they gave you money is a big tipping point. Personally I'd be choosing between them and Hunter.

Hunter. You can't ignore the fact that Hunter is dirt-cheap for a New York resident, and that's especially important for a social worker. I'd do a little digging into their internship placement and job placement after school. I'd always had the impression that Hunter was a good school but just not as highly regarded as Columbia or NYU. Still, you've got to weigh the debt proposition.

[naomi6]

IF you have no desire to continue to a PhD in the future, select the school that will cost you less in the long run. The less loan, the better life will be for you after you graduate. All three schools have  great reputations in NYC. If you think you might go the PhD route 5 years from now, select Columbia.