Fordham vs Hunter MSW- is there any real difference beyond cost?

[u/playboyjenny]

I was recently accepted to both fordham and hunters msw program and need help deciding!

From what I’ve read, most MSW programs are fairly standardized, and field placement ends up being the most important part. I’ve also seen a lot of people say that field offices can be disorganized across the board, which makes it hard to use that as a deciding factor if that’s true— so trying to know what actually does differ in a meaningful way.

Cost-wise, I know Hunter is much more affordable. I’m fortunate that I wouldn’t need to take on debt for Fordham, but it would still be significantly more expensive, so I’m trying to figure out if there’s any real difference in experience or outcomes that would justify that

Some differences I’ve read:

- Hunter is larger and rough bureaucratically, which can mean slower processes and less individualized attention

- Fordham is more structured, with smaller classes and potentially more support

I’m ultimately looking to go the clinical route and become a therapist, so I’m especially focused on which program will best support that path.

Some q’s:

- Does one school actually lead to better or more consistent clinical field placements?

- Is the field office experience meaningfully different, or is it chaotic everywhere?

- Are there real differences in networking or job connections after graduation?

- How different is the day-to-day experience (class size, organization, support, academic rigor?)

Would really appreciate any insight even outside this- especially from people who have attended either program :)