How to choose between programs

[lbb88]

Hi, everyone.  I recently got acceptances from the University of Southern Illinois Edwardsville, and Missouri State University. Do you have any tips about choosing between them? A deciding factor would obviously be financial aid/ an assistantship. However, it appears that I won't find that information out until I accept an offer. Both programs have pros and cons. I would get in state tuition at both universities. These are the thoughts I have about the difference between the schools. 

SIUE: 

pros:

- in metro area of St Louis

- larger metro area could offer more variety of fieldwork placements 

- micro track (more specialized courses for clinical social work, what I want to do) 

cons:

- more expensive than Mo. State

- probably would do a lot of commuting 

Mo. State:

pros:

- cheaper program 

- I have heard that it is easy to get assistantships here... Hard to say how true that is

- would probably live very close to campus and most field sites

cons: 

- doesn't offer any specialized tracks- more generic coursework

 

Do you guys have any suggestions on things to consider when deciding? 

[SW_PHD]

Looks like you've done a good job thinking this through. From a clinical perspective, you might want to take into consideration whether you plan to eventually practice in Missouri or Illinois. Investigate whether there are licensing advantages to graduating in the same state (for example, some state schools offer clinical program tracks that satisfy specific licensing requirements in that state). Otherwise, the general advice on these boards remains don't take on more debt than is necessary; MSW curriculums are relatively similar, so unless you're considering pursuing a PhD, the school you graduate from is less important in social work than in some other fields.

[lbb88]

11 hours ago, SW_PHD said:

Looks like you've done a good job thinking this through. From a clinical perspective, you might want to take into consideration whether you plan to eventually practice in Missouri or Illinois. Investigate whether there are licensing advantages to graduating in the same state (for example, some state schools offer clinical program tracks that satisfy specific licensing requirements in that state). Otherwise, the general advice on these boards remains don't take on more debt than is necessary; MSW curriculums are relatively similar, so unless you're considering pursuing a PhD, the school you graduate from is less important in social work than in some other fields.

Thank you so much for giving your thoughts. That is a very good insight that I hadn't thought of regarding licensing. I will research that. Yes, I had heard that where you receive your MSW from isn't nearly as important as most other degrees, which is why I only applied to public state schools. Washington University would be an easy commute, but I didn't even want to give myself that temptation, because I am sure their program is wonderful and they are persuasive, but it is not cost effective. Anyways, thanks again for taking the time to comment