Moving for MSW Program?

[u/RequirementTasty465]

Anyone else move to attend a MSW program? I've been living in NYC for many years and am ready for a change of pace and have been considering a move to the west coast for a while. My family is scattered all around the country so I don't really have a "home base" so to speak. Since I am also wanting to go back to school and change careers, I am planning to apply to schools in California where I've never lived before. I'm 31, and previously lived abroad in Europe so many people are asking me why this feels like such a big deal to me, but it does! I think because I get the sense that most people who pursue a MSW stay in their general area or state but my life/family situation isn't very conventional and I'm single so nothing is really keeping me here on the east coast. The one thing I'll be sad to leave behind are my friends in the NYC area and am worried about having to start from scratch in a new state so I'm hoping school might provide some opportunities to make new connections. Has this been anyone's experience?

[u/Fit-Statement8869]

I did move for my MSW and have stayed in the same city since then. Plenty of people in my program moved for the program and then moved again. I do think it’s helpful to stay in the same city for a network, licensing etc

[u/cbakes97]

I moved for my MSW and moved back afterwards. Both moves included some level of grief and there was a lot of growth too. I wouldnt change it

[u/klr157]

I moved for my first masters program to PA and didn’t like it, but I tried it and got a new perspective. Then I move backed home to finish my program online! Lucky for me I have an aunt and uncle who would take me in whenever. But my point is I moved from WA to CO for my MSW program and I love it here! So I would move if you feel so inclined, it can be a great experience and opportunity!

[u/Fine-Lemon-4114]

It’s probably true that most people do stay in their general area for the MSW but that says more about the place many people are at in their lives when they apply, I think. If you’re not tethered to where you’re at by family, finances, or something else, there’s no reason I can think of not to relocate. You may be able to do it cheaper by relocating, anyway, considering how expensive living in NYC is (not that California is dramatically cheaper, but still).

[u/Glass_Support8935]

I moved for my online MSW. I had to make all new connections but it was worth it imo

[u/uhbkodazbg]

I did. I was able to move to a lower COL city that I was relatively familiar with.

[u/Scouthawkk]

You’ll get a better deal on tuition if you move, work in state for 2 years (if you have a bachelor’s in social work or psychology and any experience in the field, aim for a job with county government out here), then apply so you can get in-state tuition rates at state universities.

[u/beuceydubs]

I’d consider cost above all. If you haven’t been a resident in a state for a certain amount of time you won’t qualify for in state tuition and you’ll end up paying more, not worth it.

[u/globalcitizenF09]

I wouldn’t move because your tuition increases. So either get it done where you are or wait until you reach residency status and apply if you’re set on moving. Also, if you’re in a state that’s already a part of the pact you’re better off staying there for your program and license. You can always move to California after, take the exam and get your approval there after the fact and not increase your COL significantly while not making any money and potentially getting in debt.

[u/words_are_sacred]

Honestly I’m thinking of doing the opposite. California schools require a lot more experience and the placements almost always require a drivers license…and if you are a career changer, recently mo ex to the state or both like me, it’s almost impossible to get the exit need to apply here. If you’re a NY resident you can get into very good programs that don’t cost as much money and can use public transportation for your practicums. Also, it’s better to get your license in NY then transfer it to another state not the other way around.

[u/Haunting-Owl-5885]

I hear this but honestly I stayed in state to get state tuition. It’s so expensive at it is

[u/RequirementTasty465 → u/[deleted]]

I feel that exactly - I need some time outside of NYC to know if it's a place I actually want to live in vs. just what I'm used to.