Cancer patient need advice please

[Sara143]

Dear Beautiful community, I got my bachelor from university of Maine and you guys helped me a lot and I am very grateful for it I diagnosed with breast cancer and want to do my masters in social work. I done with my surgery and my current treatment is manageable and I could study. Unfortunately I can’t afford school and looking if I can get my masters without going to be in debt. I hope everyone will be successful in their journey. Thanks

[swlearner71]

Unfortunately social work degrees seem to have gotten more expensive in recent years, and fully paid scholarships have become less common. Some top in person programs will fund your degree completely, but they're usually the most difficult to get into with limited funding.

Opportunities really depend on the state. In some places state CPS agencies partner with universities and will cover the full cost of your MSW through Title IV E federal funding. When I was in college some of these programs even included a living stipend. The tradeoff is that you agree to work for CPS for a set period after graduating, usually two years. You’ll also do your internships with them, or at least one of them. These programs are tied to in person schools most of the time, however. You could always reach out and see if these funds are available for online programs you may be interested in.

Also, check your state repayment programs. Texas is a good example. They will pay down student loan debt if you work in public mental health or other underserved settings after graduating. They’ll forgive up to 60k for LMSWs if you’re eligible. They forgive up to $100k for LCSWs with doctorates.

WGU might be working on an MSW, though nothing has been officially announced. They have posted openings for social work evaluators, which could possibly mean a program is in the works. If it does happen, it could be another affordable option. They also offer scholarships that help with costs, though the degrees aren’t free. I got one for my master’s there.

Wishing you continued healing and strength as you recover.

[Epiphany.y]

Unfortunately social work degrees seem to have gotten more expensive in recent years, and fully paid scholarships have become less common. Some top in person programs will fund your degree completely, but they're usually the most difficult to get into with limited funding.

Opportunities really depend on the state. In some places state CPS agencies partner with universities and will cover the full cost of your MSW through Title IV E federal funding. When I was in college some of these programs even included a living stipend. The tradeoff is that you agree to work for CPS for a set period after graduating, usually two years. You’ll also do your internships with them, or at least one of them. These programs are tied to in person schools most of the time, however. You could always reach out and see if these funds are available for online programs you may be interested in.

Also, check your state repayment programs. Texas is a good example. They will pay down student loan debt if you work in public mental health or other underserved settings after graduating. They’ll forgive up to 60k for LMSWs if you’re eligible. They forgive up to $100k for LCSWs with doctorates.

WGU might be working on an MSW, though nothing has been officially announced. They have posted openings for social work evaluators, which could possibly mean a program is in the works. If it does happen, it could be another affordable option. They also offer scholarships that help with costs, though the degrees aren’t free. I got one for my master’s there.

Wishing you continued healing and strength as you recover.

You are such a kind and warm-hearted person, and your words have comforted and helped her a great deal. I also wish her a speedy recovery.

[studyingfortests]

Western New Mexico U is one of the least expensive MSW programs in the country. Entirely online, other than your practicum which you arrange in your local community. Total cost is about $37K if you don't have a BSW, about $27K if you have a BSW and are doing advanced standing.

Also, in many states, the state Department of Rehabilitation will pay most or all of the tuition for anyone that has a diagnosed disability. This includes mental health disabilities such as major depressive disorder, anxiety, etc. It is possible your cancer diagnosis might qualify.  You would have to contact the DOR in your state.  I know many students in CA have paid for social work degrees using DOR.


So while the degrees aren't cheap, they don't have to be expensive, and WNMU is an excellent program.

[bjcheung77]

Does it have to be the MSW to become a social worker in your state? Another option is, instead of a Masters program, see if there are any BSW programs that allow you to complete in a year. You can then get a general MBA or Masters of your liking in a similar field if you ever needed the Masters.