Does it matter where I get my masters from?

[kzoomaggie]

I have been working in health research since I graduated with my BS three years ago. I am looking at applying for graduate school in the fall to get a MS (with the plan of continuing to work in health research) and I am wondering if it really matters where I get my masters from?

There are five different colleges, within an hour of where I live, that offer a masters in the program I am interested in. The best school (it is the top program in the country for this program) is the closest, and is also the most expensive (11k/ semester for a 2 year program). I also work for this university and may be able to get some support for tuition, but it will still be the most expensive option, even with the aid. The worst of the five schools is also very close and is the least expensive (~5-6k/semester for a 2 year program). The remaining schools are all good schools that are less expensive than the best school, but are at least 45 minutes away.

My question is, does it really matter where I get my degree from? I would like to save as much money as possible, but I don't want to shoot myself in the foot for my future career. I want to make myself as marketable as possible, without drowning in debt.

[downtoearth]

I think it does matter, but you'll have to weigh the cost advantages. If you want to stay in health/medical research, then you'll need to have connections to get published while at grad school and to progress in your career, right? So the more well respected a school, the more likely you'll have a well-published advisor to help mentor you in that direction and help you pick a more specific field of reserach to focus your career. However, I think you also shouldn't go into major debt if you won't see a return in 5-7 years out of your grad program.

Can you also TA or do a research fellow/grant to get some of the school paid for. I found in my area that if you are in a better program, they usually have better funding sources for MS work in addition for PhDs.

[rubytue]

IMHO, if the #1 school for your program is a realistic option, you should go for it.

Is this program not one that supports students? It would also seem that the #1 school would have grants, fellowships, and other support programs. But maybe that it my tier 1 research university bias. I don't know anyone who paid for a masters or PhD in my program (except some international students). But, from TN, I know that not all masters programs pay.

If you were talking five programs ranked between 15 and 25, then it might not matter. But if you are weighing #1 vs #30, then it probably will.

[kzoomaggie]

The #1 option is definitely an option for me. I work for the school in a department that has close ties to the masters program that I would be applying for. I would have excellent recommendation letters from professors and other faculty that personally know and work with the decision committee. I have also worked closely with a few of the professors in the department. I am definitely sitting in a good spot to get into the program.

I guess I just worry about the cost. I could easily take out 40k+ in loans and I know that is nothing compared to what some people take, but I have never had to take out that many loans! I think the degree itself will be worth it and I will certainly be able to increase my income after completing any of the programs. But since I already have these connections through work and I will continue to work in the same office during grad school, do I really need to spend 40k to get the degree if I can get the same degree for 20k?

I really do like the idea of trying to find some grants or another funding source, though. I'll have to look into those different options. There is not a lot of financial aid (aside from loans) for the program I'm looking at.

[mrsjuleshs]

It does matter. We do have clients who only want candidates with degrees from top tier schools. But as long as it isn't something like U of Phoenix you are good.

[sopsyched]

I still wonder why people hate on U of Phoenix so bad. Like seriously not everyone can quit work an go to school in the middle of the day for a masters. Should there be no other options?

[gardengal]

May 18, 2012 11:28:48 GMT -5 sopsyched said:

I still wonder why people hate on U of Phoenix so bad. Like seriously not everyone can quit work an go to school in the middle of the day for a masters. Should there be no other options?

plenty of real, not-for-profit schools have night/weekend/online classes. public state universities, even!

no need to pay extra to a FOR PROFIT educational institution

[madladyguest]

May 18, 2012 11:28:48 GMT -5 sopsyched said:

I still wonder why people hate on U of Phoenix so bad. Like seriously not everyone can quit work an go to school in the middle of the day for a masters. Should there be no other options?

There are PLENTY of other NON-PROFIT online options as pp have said many are affiliated with state institutions. I happen to work at one such university.

[kzoomaggie]

May 18, 2012 11:28:48 GMT -5 sopsyched said:

I still wonder why people hate on U of Phoenix so bad. Like seriously not everyone can quit work an go to school in the middle of the day for a masters. Should there be no other options?

There are plenty of other options to consider. I plan on working as close to full time as I can while I'm in school and I have considered a few different online programs for my masters. These programs are run by reputable non-profit schools. The two online programs I'm specifically looking at are hosted at Penn State and Northwestern University.

[kzoomaggie]

Thanks guys! I think I'm going to start hunting for grants and other forms of financial aid that will ease the burden of the loans I will have to take out at the good program. I am sure that in the long run it makes more sense to go to the best program that I can.

[sopsyched]

True there are options for certain programs depending where you are. Out here in Nevada we don't have much. And many schools want you to live in the state where the brick and mortar school is. Which is why I am still on the hunt for grad program. But lets be serious, Universitys can say they are not for profit all they want to, but yet every other article is about how ridiculously expensive college has gotten. To each their own...

[sopsyched]

May 18, 2012 11:30:36 GMT -5 gardengal said:

May 18, 2012 11:28:48 GMT -5 sopsyched said:

I still wonder why people hate on U of Phoenix so bad. Like seriously not everyone can quit work an go to school in the middle of the day for a masters. Should there be no other options?

plenty of real, not-for-profit schools have night/weekend/online classes. public state universities, even!

no need to pay extra to a FOR PROFIT educational institution

Just for an example at UNLV, the only online masters is in Public Administration...Everything else is classes that start at noon, or 2pm. It could just be where I live, but I haven't seen very many Grad programs that work for a student that works a 8-5

[gardengal]

May 18, 2012 11:51:03 GMT -5 sopsyched said:

True there are options for certain programs depending where you are. Out here in Nevada we don't have much. And many schools want you to live in the state where the brick and mortar school is. Which is why I am still on the hunt for grad program. But lets be serious, Universitys can say they are not for profit all they want to, but yet every other article is about how ridiculously expensive college has gotten. To each their own...

that's because states have decreased the money they give schools and that's gotta come from somewhere.

for many states the per capita amount the state puts towards higher ed is the lowest it's been in a real long time

[formerlyak]

May 18, 2012 11:28:48 GMT -5 sopsyched said:

I still wonder why people hate on U of Phoenix so bad. Like seriously not everyone can quit work an go to school in the middle of the day for a masters. Should there be no other options?

I'm getting my MBA online through Colorado State University. It has a good reputation for distance programs (we were just ranked #1 for delivery of program and are consistently in the Top 5 online MBA programs in US News and World Report). It was in my budget -- way cheaper than U of Phoenix. It has a reputable bricks and mortar business school in addition to the online program.

For my first masters degree, I did have to take classes two afternoons a week, but they didn't start until 3:30, so my job let me go in early and leave early on those days. So I did go to a traditional program, take late afternoon classes on campus and continue to work my full time job.

Choices for graduate school are no longer U of Phoenix or quit and go in the middle of the day.

[formerlyak]

May 18, 2012 11:51:03 GMT -5 sopsyched said:

True there are options for certain programs depending where you are. Out here in Nevada we don't have much. And many schools want you to live in the state where the brick and mortar school is. Which is why I am still on the hunt for grad program. But lets be serious, Universitys can say they are not for profit all they want to, but yet every other article is about how ridiculously expensive college has gotten. To each their own...

Um, do you know what "not for profit" means? It has nothing to do with what they charge. It's a tax filing status.

The cost to run a college or university is not cheap. They still have to pay rent or mortgage payments for their spaces. They have to pay faculty. They have to fund research. They have to offer tuition discounts for students who have no money but are super qualified and will enhance their program.

Sorry, I have worked in higher ed fundraising for over a decade and I absolutely hate when people relate non-profit status to the cost of tuition. They two are completely different.

[sopsyched]

Um yes I know what not for profit means...lets not get beside ourselves here. And no, its not cheap to run a university, but when the money is spent on things like brand new gyms, student unions and separate basketball compunds and a whole variety of other bullshit, while simultaneously cutting degree programs AND raising tuition- I call bullshit. But maybe that's just my alma mater...

But the point of my response earlier was to ask why people hate on UOP so much. It seems the resounding answer is that it's for profit...Which i find funny because why does it matter? USC has an online MSW that is over triple the cost of getting one from a state school. But since it's a private school that means its okay to charge so much? What's the difference?

[Velvetshady]

May 18, 2012 12:28:07 GMT -5 sopsyched said:

But the point of my response earlier was to ask why people hate on UOP so much. It seems the resounding answer is that it's for profit...Which i find funny because why does it matter? USC has an online MSW that is over triple the cost of getting one from a state school. But since it's a private school that means its okay to charge so much? What's the difference?

Ability to get hired?


The Fortune 20 company I work for considers someone with a UOP degree as someone that is unable to perform a valid cost benefit analysis and therefore would not hire them.

[kzoomaggie]

May 18, 2012 12:38:07 GMT -5 Velvetshady said:

May 18, 2012 12:28:07 GMT -5 sopsyched said:

But the point of my response earlier was to ask why people hate on UOP so much. It seems the resounding answer is that it's for profit...Which i find funny because why does it matter? USC has an online MSW that is over triple the cost of getting one from a state school. But since it's a private school that means its okay to charge so much? What's the difference?

Ability to get hired?


The Fortune 20 company I work for considers someone with a UOP degree as someone that is unable to perform a valid cost benefit analysis and therefore would not hire them.

:Y:

[sunshine608]

May 18, 2012 12:28:07 GMT -5 sopsyched said:

Um yes I know what not for profit means...lets not get beside ourselves here. And no, its not cheap to run a university, but when the money is spent on things like brand new gyms, student unions and separate basketball compunds and a whole variety of other bullshit, while simultaneously cutting degree programs AND raising tuition- I call bullshit. But maybe that's just my alma mater...

But the point of my response earlier was to ask why people hate on UOP so much. It seems the resounding answer is that it's for profit..?

I think it has to do with the lack of quality, not that its for profit.

Also, its a lot of money to spend on a degree that so many people look down on, especially those that do the hiring.

[kzoomaggie]

May 18, 2012 12:44:37 GMT -5 sunshine608 said:

May 18, 2012 12:28:07 GMT -5 sopsyched said:

Um yes I know what not for profit means...lets not get beside ourselves here. And no, its not cheap to run a university, but when the money is spent on things like brand new gyms, student unions and separate basketball compunds and a whole variety of other bullshit, while simultaneously cutting degree programs AND raising tuition- I call bullshit. But maybe that's just my alma mater...

But the point of my response earlier was to ask why people hate on UOP so much. It seems the resounding answer is that it's for profit..?

I think it has to do with the lack of quality, not that its for profit.

Also, its a lot of money to spend on a degree that so many people look down on, especially those that do the hiring.

Exactly! And the people doing the hiring are the people who have the opinions that really matter. I think it would be pointless to get a degree from UOP because, despite the fact that you might get a decent education, a lot of people take issue with the way the school is run.

[rubytue]

Not only will the accept mostly anyone, they graduate anyone who can pay the tuition. Have you ever heard of anyone failing out of UoP? Their profit motive means they depend on keeping the students money and, giving them something for that money.

I've seen some bright people who did UoP (10 years ago), because it was the best option at the time. I've also seen some idiots who also can wave around a UoP degree.

[Deleted]

I don't think that price tag is that bad, honestly. There are lots of grad programs that are 30-40k+ a year in tuition.

If you can go to the top school, I'd probably go there. Even if it matters just a little, that little means something.

My best recommendation for grad school would be to go somewhere with a solid reputation for getting students real world experiences and connections that will help them land good jobs after the program is over. I went to a program that I think had great professors and I learned a lot, but when it came time to find a job afterward I had zero connections and zero help making them. Some of that blame lays on me for not understanding the value of those connections and figuring out how to make them myself - but my professors should have provided more guidance on that too IMO.

[sopsyched]

May 18, 2012 12:38:07 GMT -5 Velvetshady said:

May 18, 2012 12:28:07 GMT -5 sopsyched said:

But the point of my response earlier was to ask why people hate on UOP so much. It seems the resounding answer is that it's for profit...Which i find funny because why does it matter? USC has an online MSW that is over triple the cost of getting one from a state school. But since it's a private school that means its okay to charge so much? What's the difference?

Ability to get hired?


The Fortune 20 company I work for considers someone with a UOP degree as someone that is unable to perform a valid cost benefit analysis and therefore would not hire them.

Huh? That sounds spectacularly foolish. But maybe because I work in mental health I don't understand the Fortune 20 mindset lol. Hands on experience and practical knowledge is what counts. And I don't care where you go, a new grad is not going to have those things right away.

Even though I didn't go to UOP, or Capella or any of the other schools that have commercials, if someone wants to pay for their education then wtf does it matter? IF the school has met the accredidation standards, then that's what should matter right? My lowly degrees from UNLV have me in an office right next to a Stanford alum, and a UOP grad, making the same damn money, so really I don't buy the whole ability to get hired part.

This mindset is going to have to change.

[formerlyak]

May 18, 2012 12:28:07 GMT -5 sopsyched said:

Um yes I know what not for profit means...lets not get beside ourselves here. And no, its not cheap to run a university, but when the money is spent on things like brand new gyms, student unions and separate basketball compunds and a whole variety of other bullshit, while simultaneously cutting degree programs AND raising tuition- I call bullshit. But maybe that's just my alma mater...

Again, I don't think you understand how university finances work. The gyms and student unions you talk about are usually part of a master planning process where fundraisers work with big donors to get the money for these facilities to be built. They don't get the funds from tuition. They don't get the funds from program funding. They get it from donors who want to spend their money on that.

As a fundraiser, we offer a wide range of funding options to a donor. Some prefer to give to scholarships to lessen the financial burden of higher ed. Some like their names on buildings so they fund things like gyms and student unions.

[formerlyak]

But to answer the original question, there have been many cases where coursework from for-profit universities like U of Phoenix are not transferable to bricks and mortar schools because they are not considered up to the same standards. This can hinder someone's learning path if they try and transfer.

Additionally, they don't have a competitive admissions process. No SAT is required for undergrad. No GMAT is required for their business school. It's hard to consider a school that doesn't adhere to common admissions standards on par with the schools that do.

[kzoomaggie]

May 18, 2012 14:47:14 GMT -5 formerlyak said:

But to answer the original question, there have been many cases where coursework from for-profit universities like U of Phoenix are not transferable to bricks and mortar schools because they are not considered up to the same standards. This can hinder someone's learning path if they try and transfer.

Additionally, they don't have a competitive admissions process. No SAT is required for undergrad. No GMAT is required for their business school. It's hard to consider a school that doesn't adhere to common admissions standards on par with the schools that do.

Thanks, I absolutely agree. I was never considering a for profit school like UofP. All of the schools have competitive admissions standards and are well respected educational institutions. They just differ significantly on the competitiveness of their programs and the tuition costs.

[formerlyak]

May 18, 2012 14:50:32 GMT -5 kzoomaggie said:

May 18, 2012 14:47:14 GMT -5 formerlyak said:

But to answer the original question, there have been many cases where coursework from for-profit universities like U of Phoenix are not transferable to bricks and mortar schools because they are not considered up to the same standards. This can hinder someone's learning path if they try and transfer.

Additionally, they don't have a competitive admissions process. No SAT is required for undergrad. No GMAT is required for their business school. It's hard to consider a school that doesn't adhere to common admissions standards on par with the schools that do.

Thanks, I absolutely agree. I was never considering a for profit school like UofP. All of the schools have competitive admissions standards and are well respected educational institutions. They just differ significantly on the competitiveness of their programs and the tuition costs.

I'd look at what you want to do with the degree and what their job placement rate for that path is. In the end, that is what it is about, right? Helping you on your career path?

[kzoomaggie]

May 18, 2012 14:53:48 GMT -5 formerlyak said:

May 18, 2012 14:50:32 GMT -5 kzoomaggie said:

Thanks, I absolutely agree. I was never considering a for profit school like UofP. All of the schools have competitive admissions standards and are well respected educational institutions. They just differ significantly on the competitiveness of their programs and the tuition costs.

I'd look at what you want to do with the degree and what their job placement rate for that path is. In the end, that is what it is about, right? Helping you on your career path?

Honestly, at this point, I would love to continue working in the office that I'm in, but with more responsibility! I guess I should talk them and see if they have an opinion...

[cep1976]

May 18, 2012 12:28:07 GMT -5 sopsyched said:

But the point of my response earlier was to ask why people hate on UOP so much. It seems the resounding answer is that it's for profit...Which i find funny because why does it matter? USC has an online MSW that is over triple the cost of getting one from a state school. But since it's a private school that means its okay to charge so much? What's the difference?

USC is also not-for-profit. Just because it is private doesn't make it for-profit.

Anyway, public colleges are supported by state funds. Private colleges are supported by tuition, endowment, and donations. This is a large part of the price differential.

For many public schools, the cost for an out of state student to attend is often equivalent to the cost of attending a private school.

Sticker price for a degree is not the same as final cost to attend. Because they are supported by endowment, many private schools are able to offer students better financial aid packages than public schools. It is cheaper for a middle class student from California to attend Harvard than it is for them to attend a state school.

[smock]

Since you already work at the university you'd like to attend, have you looked into programs that cover employees' tuition? Most universities have programs like this where you can take 1-2 classes a semester for free, which might be worth investigating if you haven't already!

And yes, for grad school the university does make a big difference. Considering all your connections at the best university, I would recommend trying to go there; you'll have this degree for the rest of your life and if it's the best program in the country I'm sure it will open doors.