I got accepted to two programs, any suggestions on what to pick?
Hi all, I’ve been accepted to Boston University (MHCBM program) and CSU Fullerton for counseling masters. I am having the hardest time deciding where to go. Here are pros and cons to each:
BU
pros: in Boston a new city and feel excited to explore, program is in a medical school, brand name school, 2 year CACREP program (faster)
cons: $120k tuition for the whole program (not including living expenses), a huge move I’m coming from the west coast.
CSUF
pros: $40k for whole program (excluding living cost), CACREP accredited, I'll have some family in that area
cons: It is 3.5 years long which I worry will delay my earnings and licensure.
My goals: I want to be a therapist and also do research during my masters to be able to do a phD in the future. I also want a family in the next 5 years and don't want to set myself back.
I've been living independently since 18 and do not have funds to pay for BU directly it would be student loans. I think it would be financially stressful, but the faster program would let me earn sooner and I would be aggressively working to pay off the debt. I know as a counselor they say the school doesn't matter but I can't help but still feel sad to let the BU offer go because I was so happy to be accepted.
Posted Apr 1, 2026, 8:27 PM UTC