<p>I'm in the process of applying to social work master's programs for the fall of 2009. I have a few quick questions:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>I ultimately plan on living in New York City and, as such, am primarily applying to schools in the city. If accepted to a school like UC Berkeley, would it be unwise to study there if I intend to immediately return to NY upon completing my program? Any career disadvantages, you think?</p></li>
<li><p>Although NYU is my first choice, I doubt that I would be able to afford it. I already have undergrad loans and want to minimize my burden upon graduating from an msw program. Do you know of any expensive schools (like NYU & Columbia) that offer scholarship programs? I remember once hearing of a school offering a program through which half of the tuition is covered if you commit to a certain number of years of work in public schools...? Does this ring a bell with anyone?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>I’m not familiar with a program that provides that option with an MSW program. It sounds like something similar to the NYC Teaching Fellows, but those are obviously degrees in education. </p>
<p>If you’re looking for a reasonably priced quality program in social work with NYC, then CUNY Hunter College might be worth looking at. It doesn’t necessarily scream ‘prestige’ but it’s a well respected program in its field.</p>
<p>Going to a school like Berkeley and relocating to NYC would not hurt you in the sense of school reputation, partially because UC Berkeley is renown, and partially because most employers don’t care where you got your degree but just that you have it and that it’s from an accredited program. If you’re sure you want to stay in NYC, though, I would advise you to try and stay in a program in that area. The reason for this is that you will gain valuable connections, as well as knowledge of the local programs, resources, and community dynamics through your graduate study. Many new MSWs also get their first job from their second year placements.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>I can’t tell you about NY, but I can tell you that in California there’s a program where you can get 18.5 k per year if you commit to working for CPS in California for two years after graduation and another program where you get 18.5 k for one year if you commit to working in outpatient mental health in California for one year after graduation.</p>
<p>There are also federal loan forgiveness programs that will pay for a certain amount of your loans and then forgive them after 10 years if you work in the public sector doing social work, I believe. I don’t know the specifics of this program, though.</p>
<p>Generally, though, I would go to the least expensive program you get into. As I said earlier, your skills as an MSW are much more important than the school on your degree when it comes to the hiring process.</p>
<p>This is very important. Do not accumulate a lot of debt for an MSW. I’m attending my in-state university (University of Michigan) for my MSW. Cheaper tuition and still well-known in the field. I still have the option to obtain national/international field placements.</p>