MSW Columbia vs NYU

[AMcCoy]

There are old threads concerning this topic but I figured I would start a new one. I am sooo stressed over this decision. Columbia is significantly more expensive and requires a statistics course as well as a summer session but I love the campus and of course the Columbia name. I have not yet visited NYU but it is cheaper and only requires Fall and Spring. I am doing advanced standing and will be going the clinical route. Any input would be greatly appreciated. It would be awesome if current students or past students could comment on their experience as well. If I go with Columbia I want an experience that will be worth the extra money. Any responses would be greatly appreciated. 

[RachelNYC]

I'm a Columbia alum (Journalism School) and live a few blocks away, but have applied instead to the MSW programs at Hunter, NYU, Fordham, and Lehman. I didn't apply to Columbia because of the price. Both NYU and Columbia have excellent reputations. NYU has a very good clinical reputation. I spoke to friends of mine in social work who have said no one really looks at where you graduated from for social work--it's not like getting a Harvard MBA--so it makes the most sense to go to the cheapest place. That said, Hunter is my top choice and NYU next. I spoke to someone who currently teaches at Hunter, who graduated from Columbia, and he said that unless I was interested in getting a PhD, Hunter would be a much better solution. Hope this was helpful.

[emylauren2794]

Im in the same boat. While NYU is less expensive, I heard Columbia's program is also really good. They're both expensive (as are all grad schools, but don't let that discourage you from one or the other). Look at the pros and cons and also visit both campuses. Good luck

[nymsw]

On 3/4/2016 at 11:23 PM, AMcCoy said:

There are old threads concerning this topic but I figured I would start a new one. I am sooo stressed over this decision. Columbia is significantly more expensive and requires a statistics course as well as a summer session but I love the campus and of course the Columbia name. I have not yet visited NYU but it is cheaper and only requires Fall and Spring. I am doing advanced standing and will be going the clinical route. Any input would be greatly appreciated. It would be awesome if current students or past students could comment on their experience as well. If I go with Columbia I want an experience that will be worth the extra money. Any responses would be greatly appreciated. 

I attended an admitted student event at Columbia, and they never mentioned a summer session when they went over our first and second year. Are you doing the two-year program? I'm a little stressed now because I did not know that at all. 

[AMcCoy]

@nymsw I am in the advanced standing program so we are required to start in August with a four week summer session. I will be completing my degree in 10 months. Sorry to cause you any stress. I will be attending Columbia and I am very excited. I couldn't make it to the Admitted Students Day but I watched online.