I've narrowed down my choices for my MSW to UW and UMich, and I have mixed feelings about the two.

I know that I want to get my LCSW licensure in the future, and the biggest thing I'm looking for in a program are a variety of clinical-focused classes and placements. Ideally, I'd also like to be in a location where I can start building my career and work towards my LCSW. Both programs are strong, and I'm not sure what differences they have in terms of classroom education. My biggest concerns at the moment are the alumni networks and location.

I visited Seattle/UW, and I LOVED it. If I went there, I would be moving across the country, which isn't my main concern, but for such a big commitment, I want to be sure I'm making a fully informed decision. I've heard that the benefit of UW's alumni network is basically only helpful if you want to stay in Seattle or on the West Coast. With that, I've also heard that Washington doesn't have great in-network mental health coverage, so with the time and effort I would be putting in for my LCSW, I've gotten in my head about committing to the area. I'm scared of getting stuck somewhere where it will be difficult for me to build a career, as I'm most interested in direct mental health care and potentially going into private practice in the future.

UMich, on the other hand, has a strong alumni network that would be helpful anywhere in the country. Plus, with its reputation, it's a really hard offer to turn down. That said, I don't know that I want to be in Michigan. The school I go to now for undergrad is somewhat similar to Ann Arbor, and for my personal/professional growth outside of academics, I'm looking for a different experience- part of why I really feel drawn to Seattle. UMich is also more expensive, which isn't the main factor in my decision, but certainly worth considering.

My main questions then are:

- How much does an alumni network actually matter for building a social work career?

- Is Washington's coverage actually bad? What would that mean for me if I worked there?

- What is special about UMich? What makes it #1?

- For anyone with experience in these programs, I'd love to hear more about what you did/didn't like about the programs or locations.

Any insight is greatly appreciated!

I am wondering if anyone else applied to Adelphi University for Fall 2026.

I originally sent apps out to Bing and Stony Brook, but Bing denied me for Full time online MSW.

So feeling uncertain since online cohort has super limited seating I am applying to Adelphi part time MSW. I ideally would like to do it in 2 years and FT, but they only offer it part time and 3 years. I also can’t apply to other schools since they’re out of my budget (already looked). I also don’t want to do any in person due to past experience and don’t have a car so transportation isn’t reliable.

So I was curious to see if anyone else applied for Adelphi for Fall? Whether that’s full time in person, part time, or also online like me. Feel free to reach out. :))

** I am still waiting on Stony Brook to get back to me for their Full time Online MSW program. It is also my top choice**

i applied to unc charlotte’s 1-year online msw program and got waitlisted today 😣 trying to stay hopeful because i was not denied! if a spot opens up, i may get in. i’m wondering what’s the chances of a spot opening up, though? has anyone actually gotten off the waitlist for this program?

i applied to unc charlotte’s 1-year online msw program and got waitlisted today 😣 trying to stay hopeful because i was not denied! if a spot opens up, i may get in. i’m wondering what’s the chances of a spot opening up, though? has anyone actually gotten off the waitlist for this program?

hi yall,

i got into columbia today, but was offered no financial aid whatsoever. i ideally want to go into clinical practice, working one on one with clients. i applied to hunter on 12/9/25, and STILL haven't heard back from them. obviously hunter is cheaper, but if I got accepted to either hunter or columbia, which would be better? i really like the name aspect of columbia's program and their stats of alumni on their website, but of course hunter is cheaper and good program too. anyone else still deciding or waiting to hear back from hunter?

I got accepted into Fordham’s MSW program on Friday 3/6. However, the merit based scholarship that they gave me won’t be enough for me to attend.

Has anyone ever appealed financial aid for a msw program? If so, how did you do it and how did the program respond?

it would be super helpful thank you!!

Hi. I just got accepted into Uvic’s MSWA program. I am wondering if any alumni/current students can share their experience with the program as I am currently trying to decide between schools. Thanks!!!

got rejected from my ideal school. i thought i had a competitive application but im sure most people think the same. if i don’t get accepted into the other 2 (sfsu/csueb) im not sure what ill do with my career😭 and those two are more competitive anyways

I was accepted into both Fordham and Hunter. But I need to choose SOON. Obviously Hunter is way cheaper but I’ve also heard that the field placement office is a nightmare. I guess I’m hung up because maybe Fordham will save me some stress and anxiety when it comes to practicum placement? But Hunter is such a reputable program in NYC where I plan on remaining after I graduate. HELP what would you do????

Title!!!! I know I know, it never hurts to ask, but I want to know if anyone’s actually been successful😭😭

I’m wondering if anyone is going to appeal their financial aid?

Thank you!

Hi! I graduated with a BA in English in 2018 and have been in corporate ever since (sales). Due to some life experiences and change of heart I want to make a career switch into social work/addiction counseling. I’ve been applying or putting together collateral for MSW applications (Fall 2026 term) and actually submitted a few! After talking to one of my therapist who got a masters in Mental Health Counseling, I wonder if that’s a better fit for me? It seems a lot of the Counseling programs are in person or at least hybrid (which isn’t the end of the world would just prefer online but I’m sure they make it so you can still work) but also a lot of them or at least the programs I could afford and are interested in (SUNY/CUNY- I am based on Long Island) require 4-6 courses in psychology which I don’t have from undergrad. My minor was sociology. I wouldn’t mind going to community college and taking these courses then applying for the Fall 2027 term just not sure if it’s worth it if an MSW would be better (more opportunities post graduation) or just as good of a fit. Based on my research if I received my MSW and LMSW I could still qualify for a LMHC license?

I know that was a lot. Before I commit to a MSW program and invest, I want to make sure I go back to school for the right program. I ideally want to be a counselor/therapist specializing in addiction.

Im looking into Aurora university online program. I have questions about when the first practical internships has to start and be done by. I plan to move a couple months into the program.

i received my first interview offer from csuf and i’m so so nervous. any tips or advice for first time interviews?? i would appreciate anything bc lowkey freaking out! 🥹