So, if anyone is familiar with NCU, you would know that they always have scholarships available throughout the year. They typically include three full scholarships and sometimes, two or three 50% scholarships. The catch, however, is that you must enroll and then the scholarship is awarded about two months later (you should still be in your first course by then). My question: Do you think it's worth spending $2,864 (tuition + course materials) to see if I would be selected for a scholarship? I have this desire to become a licensed clinical professional (LPC or LMFT) and it won't go away. I would apply to NCU's Master's in MFT and pursue the first course (if admitted). I'd stay if I win one of the full scholarships or withdraw if I don't. Is it worth the $2,864 risk? NCU's total program is 57k. I am also considering Lamar's program for 18k.
I wouldn't do it just on principle, to be honest. This is not, traditionally, how financial aid (including scholarships) are administered. The purpose is very clear; get 50 people to enroll in hopes of a scholarship, give it to 10 of them and hope that since the rest are already started that at least a few of them stick around. Even if they don't it's better for the school to get a few handfuls of students every semester who withdraw after one class than never enroll in the first place. You fill seats even if only for that first semester. It's like the raffle "scholarship" that Liberty does (funded by their marketing company btw). It's sleazy. First step, in my humble opinion, is to look at in-state programs offering these programs. Aside from potentially lower cost and this board's view that accreditation is all that matters the fact is many states specifically grant approval to those within the state first. They might also be willing to license you with a CACREP approved program, of course. But there's still more review than a program that is specifically approved for licensure in your state. In New York, for example, the hierarchy goes like this: Registered in the State as License Qualifying <- CACREP Accredited outside of the state <- Not state registered and not CACREP but "substantially equivalent" $57k for the program is bonkers. Even if you get a 50% scholarship it's bonkers. I don't know much about Lamar. But if Lamar qualifies you for licensure in your state, go for it. Financial aid shouldn't be a slot machine lever you pull after matriculating.
Thanks, Rich. I like to liken NCU's scholarships to a "low-balling" technique. I would not pursue it even at 50%, that's still more than Lamar's program at 18k. Lamar's program does lead to licensure in my state and in the other two states I'd possibly want to move. At present, CACREP accreditation is not required in most states. The local programs are expensive but I'll reach out to one of them to see if they offer grad assistance.
Absolutely. I'm about to apply for IRB approval and hopefully start data collection before the end of the year. I want to become an LPC to advance my work interests in juvenile justice.
Gotcha! I keep wondering if my educational journey will ever end. Lol I am considering applying to some residential full-time PhD programs after I finish up at Fuqua.
Haha! Don't be a career student lol. I don't want to be one. Hopefully, I get a position for which I recently interviewed. I'd do away with the LPC idea. You definitely should pursue the Ph.D. because it seems to have always been your ultimate goal. More residential programs are being offered in part-time format. Maybe by the time you finish at Fuqua, there will be an AACSB part-time program in your area. However, if you don't mind attending a full-time program, then you should be fine. I couldn't go to school full-time at this stage of the game. I've been working since 17. I couldn't imagine not having my full-time income to finance my current lifestyle.
Ah yes, I've read about this before - I would apply for it, there are up to 6 scholarships available to Doctoral students. I think the last time I skimmed their site, a few people won 60 grand for a full ride scholarship. That's pretty good... The only reason I even looked at the site was because there was a post for the Best or Most ROI on a Doctorate degree and NCU topped the list...
It changes every couple of months. For instance, now it's 3 full and 2 at 50%. Few months ago, they had 3 full and 3 $20k. I know someone in their Ph.D. program that received one of the 20k. Here's a list of the past winners of the different scholarships. https://www.ncu.edu/tuition-admissions/grants-and-scholarships/recipients#gref
