Fielding Graduate University

In my opinion this is a horrible waste of money! There are much better schools out there for a great deal less money!

Non-traditional universities do necessarily not sit at the bottom of traditional ranking systems—they can function very credibly outside that evaluative ladder. Graduate programs have different uses for and values to younger undergraduates and experienced professionals. We must make an apples to apple tree comparison: Alternative universities offer programs that are not structured to meet needs that ranked universities address. Ranked public and private universities were designed to meet public and private sector service and research needs. Their graduate students must work to meet those needs to gain their degrees. Alternative universities, like Fielding, do not use graduate students to do their research or to teach lower level courses. That is how graduate students in ranked universities pay through in kind work for reduced tuition--in years doing mandated assignments not yet free to pursue your interests or hone independent research skills--you must spend more years learning that in lower paid RA positions. Ranked universities are supported by tax and corporate dollars because all doctoral programs are expensive—-tuition sources do not validate programs--yet colleges have been ranked by their usefulness to their benefactors. When ranking systems refocus on social good and student outcomes “prestigious” schools often plummet in rank. This is where the value of alternative colleges resides. At Fielding we are doctoral colleagues doing our own research in relation to faculty that have a depth expertise in the areas of our interests. We are free to build real-world networks of renown researchers. We focus on research work that develops our scholar practitioner skills in ways that meet our needs and improve our worlds. Yes, we pay in real value dollars to work directly towards such goals because we are not bound to compete for moderately paid tenured teaching security. Instead, we make career progress and earn income as we complete our PhD programs. When you ADD the professional gains and dollars earned during our years in alternative programs, our costs may be much less than a traditional school as our employers become ever more invested in us with little interest in our school’s ranking. (FYI many mature PhDs wrap grad loans into mature mortgage refis at 3-4%. Our mortgage payments actually go down and we pay off SL debt in stride.) Unranked universities with strong faculty and flexible programs produce individual excellence in mature professionals and that is their value to our employers. This makes Fielding is an important option. A word to the wise when considering the value of colleges: find a well-matched value for the dollars and years you will actually pay--find what works for YOU. Do not be shy to ask questions or quickly discouraged by complaints about costs of the education that is good for you—inquire deeply—do not rely on anecdotal bickering in blogs--we are talking about finding a place to learn how to do rigorous research.

I graduated from Fielding in 1995. The Fielding model worked well for me. I was slightly past mid-career, had a full time job, and family to raise. The adult learning model they advertised sounded good, so I gave it a try. 

Having completed my BS degree at traditional public college I was kind of skeptical.  However, once I started the program I really liked it. The learning style worked great for me. It's not a one size fits all type of program, its individualized which allows you to dig deep into your subject matter.     

For whatever its worth the Fielding Institute opened up a lot of doors for me. I've spent much of the last fifteen years teaching part-time and sometimes full at six private and public universities.

I am getting ready to retire from teaching soon and move on to another phase of my life.  Looking back on the entire journey, Fielding helped me gain a confidence in myself that I didn't know I had.

I've heard many more good things about Fielding than bad.  I'm considering the PhD in HOD (it just seems to fit).  However, I wonder how Fielding's PhD is looked upon.  Since Fielding is a non-traditional school, will the PhD (in HOD) be favorably accepted?  Could someone with a perspective on this please comment?  Thanx!

I graduated from Fielding after becoming a PhD from the school of HOD.
Fielding was for me a great experience. I now use my PhD work and degree to lecture full time at a highly recognized university. Fielding was a great experience for scholarship and practice. It is my Fielding underpinnings that I used daily to do my work of excellence with students. At Fielding you must be self directed and motivated. You can if you look find the right fit for study as well as the ideal advisors and supervisors. I did. Fielding is for you if you know what you want, you are highly motivated and determined to do well with the best efforts. Try it!

I am a current student in the Fielding Media Psychology program. Fielding is an excellent school for someone who wants to pursue a doctorate without having to give up their full time job. 

Fielding isn't for everyone, but I think it is a good fit for current professionals looking to advance their education. I have two degrees from traditional brick and mortar schools. I would have loved to attend a more traditional program, but my family depends on my income, so I am unable to quit my job and attend school on a stipend for five years. The traditional model of most PhD programs isn't suitable for working professionals. 

Fielding is fully accredited and offers self motivated individuals an opportunity to earn a quality PhD. Is the cost high? Sure, but who says everyone who is attending is taking out massive student loans? Some people are financing it themselves, or getting scholarships to help offset the cost of tuition. It is all what you make of it. For those of you who can afford to delay your working lives for a traditional PhD program, by all means go. Just remember Fielding is a viable option for full time professionals to further their education without giving up their careers.

Average at best!!! Go some place else!!!

There are many schools where one could work toward a PhD and Fielding is one choice.  I am in my second year in the Media Psychology PhD program.  I selected this school because I appreciated the APA accreditation (clinical psychology program) and the diverse faculty.  I am also employed full time and cannot stop working to go to school.  Fielding's tuition is high but I believe it is in line with other private schools or professional psychology schools. 

 If you are seeking a PhD and can attend a traditional public university I would do so.  Fielding's system of education can be difficult due to the fact that students do a lot of learning on their own.  In my experience the faculty is available to students to help though issues.  A student does need to reach out though emails or by making appointments to talk on the phone to get help.  If a person attends a traditional graduate school the student would likely see their advisors face to face more often and this might be better for some people.

If you are seeking a PhD and need to remain employed or live in an area where there are few universities then Fielding may be a great option.  This university is not easy.  The faculty have high standards for scholarly work and original thinking.  I don't believe Fielding falls into the category of diploma mill.  

I hope this post will help provide some balance to the previous posts.  Good luck to all of you.

I'll be starting my PhD in Human Development in March.  Fielding is expensive, and no one at Fielding tried to hide that from me.  In fact, they went out of their way to stress the financial committment.  
I also talked with several professional consultants and all spoke highly of Fielding's reputation.
Is the default rate on student loans the highest it has ever been?  Probably, but so is the rate of home foreclosures and default on credit card debt.

I believe you have missed the point of some of the above posts. I see some of those individuals 'warning' prospective students of Fielding to be aware of the huge debt that they will run up (over $100,000 in many cases). I also see them making the point that there are hundreds of universities that offer outstanding educations at a fraction of the cost. What is wrong with that? If Fielding worked for you and your employer paid of 50% of your education, great! However, many don't have that option. I have to agree with the warnings above. The default rate on college loans is at an all time high! Who is going to pick up the tab? You? Me? All of us? Think about that!

the original complaint is rediculous.  First of all, the loan amount this student choose to take out is for all of her living expenses - not just tuition and books.  She may have bought a car with it for all we know.  I am a psychologist and I make close to $200,000. a year.  If he or she had had the sense to complete the program he or she might be helping people instead of blaming and she could pay off the student loans in a couple of years.  This student received good advice she just didn't take it.

I believe you have missed the point of some of the above posts. I see some of those individuals 'warning' prospective students of Fielding to be aware of the huge debt that they will run up (over $100,000 in many cases). I also see them making the point that there are hundreds of universities that offer outstanding educations at a fraction of the cost. What is wrong with that? If Fielding worked for you and your employer paid of 50% of your education, great! However, many don't have that option. I have to agree with the warnings above. The default rate on college loans is at an all time high! Who is going to pick up the tab? You? Me? All of us? Think about that!

OVER RATED!!!!!!!  Go to a known  university!!!!!!

Does anyone do any research at all before they start to comment on this stuff? Having emersed myself in researching every such and similar programs over the last several months trying to decide which one is best for me, Ive found that they all cost you in the neighborhood of a hundred large. Period. If you want the conveneniance of a doctoral program from the comfort of your own home AND the only one in the world that has APA approval this is what its gonna cost you. Programs like these arent for the masses. They are specifically for those willing to pay twice as much to avoid the classroom.

For those criticizing Fielding as an online school, I suggest you investigate the actual facts.  The APA does not offer accreditation to online schools or "diploma mills." Fielding has regionalized faculty, residency requirements, plus a minimum of 1,000 practicum hours before qualifying for the required one-year, full-time, clinical internship. A Fielding graduate I know did her internship at Yale Medical Center in New Haven and distinguised herself among other interns from more traditional programs.

For those of you saying Fielding is a ridiculous option, I gather you haven't considered what the options look like for someone with life obligations requiring continued employment.  All PsyD and PhD programs that are APA-accredited (except Fielding) require full-time residency.  It is true that only Fielding has held APA-accreditation with the option of a flexible, self-paced schedule.  Even so, the internship year is a daunting reality for which there must be good financial preparation.

Many of the attitudes shown in the negative comments I'm reading here are based on false assumptions.  There seems to be a fairly embarrassing lack of critical thinking skill which can not be helped by in-state tuition, full-time residency or all the brick and mortar in the world.

The facts do not support the continued use of this forum to discuss Fielding's clinical psychology program.  Online is a misnomer for that program.

@Erik.  It's a shame you won't hire graduates from an online school.  You may very well be missing out on hiring someone who would be an excellent fit for your company. I have attended a college where I took some of their online courses and attended some of their classroom courses.  The online courses were more difficult and I didn't have to do as much work in the classroom course.  With an online course, you have to pay closer attention to what you are reading and learning.  Writing skills must be stronger with online courses than classroom courses. With most colleges and universities offering some sort of online option, and more students taking online courses and attending online schools, you are narrowing your pool of candidates, which is to your disadvantage.
@ everyone else.  I have a friend who has graduated from Fielding.  The thing I find interesting is that they "tout" their degrees, but rarely disclose that their degrees are from Fielding.  I find that very interesting.  And, no, I don't know how much it cost them to attend or how they financed their education.  
Please note, this website is for people to share their experiences with a particular school or to ask questions. It's not a stream with only one topic.  So, please, stop jumping on people if they don't talk about the cost of education at Fielding.  That is only one of the many topics that can be discussed here.

I noticed complaints about the cost of Fielding, but most quality programs are as expensive or more.  Fielding's tuition is average when you consider the quality of education it provides.  In my own graduate studies, I took loans for about half the tuition, and paid the rest from my annual earnings.  I completed in just over three years, racking up a student loan of about $25,000.  Not bad.  

Some on this blog indicated that they took loans for about $120,000, and we should wonder about their wisdom.  Fielding serves working professionals who, at the same time, are graduate students.  If you plan to fund your education by borrowing !00% of the tuition, you're probably not being realistic.

The strengths of Fielding is the accomplished faculty and program that allows for mid-life and mid-career students the flexibility to succeed.  I entered this program with a MA degree in counseling and a thriving private practice.  I wanted to be better informed and better at what I do.  Mission accomplished.

The weakness of Fielding is that a small group of folks who have no business in an advanced degree program (good credentials, buy mental instability, characterological disorders,  or poor time management) slip in and can't make it.  Fielding is screening better and this change is welcomed. 

Fielding began a major overhaul beginning in early 2011 that has streamlined the process and aligned the program with similar programs.  I have gone through the program at the same pace that I did in my original graduate program- both MAs took me 2 1/2 years -first in counseling at another university and now the FGU MA in clinical psychology.  I will finish this program in 4 to 5 years.  

Any application to any program should be considered carefully.  It is a tremendous commitment of resources, but Fielding has been a good fit for me and I do not regret any of it.  

Finally, a few thoughts.  1)no one can make you take student loan money.  2)the faculty members named have not had the chance to defend themselves.  I think that post should be removed.  3)APA often puts schools on probation and the schools are eventually reinstated.  Even though I agree it is unseemly to be on probation, the process makes programs take accountability and improve. 

Best of luck! 

Future Neuropsychologist t: You will not be the only one!  There are others who will graduate with degrees in neuropsychology from better schools who speak Spanish too.  The main difference is they will not be as arrogant or owe so much money for school loans.

DON'T FALL FOR THE HYPE!  Fielding is currently on probation (2011) with the APA for all their problems.  It is very expensive and most students take anywhere from 6-11 years to graduate with a doctorate in clinical psychology.  I know that some have racked up to $200,000. and over in student loan debt.

Add to this that you do all the work yourself.  The graduate school of psychology has some accomplished scholars but you don't really get taught by them.  They will grade your paper and give you a grade and have a lot to say about what you did on your own.

Many times, if you send an e-mail to an instructor and they don't return your e-mail.  There is really no accountability even though they have there so-called policies on timely response etc.


Psychology Assessment Labs, where you learn how to administer a psychological test like the MMPI, may last all of two days at the most.

Take my advise and go to a regular University or state school.  If you have to go to a private professional school go to one that is a brick and mortar school that has a good acreditation record.  You will most certainly have a better learning experience and a better degree.

This is a crummy school for many reasons.  First of all it's filled with old men pervs who hit on vulnerable middle aged women.  One of them is named "Kjell" and I don't know the others' names. Kjell is about 70 years old.
My cousin was accepted into the program but left because she said she was hit on by the staff (for donations and "other reasons," basically she said se,x,ual and money donations.
Her "professor" was so old he died three weeks after she got there. His name was Jerry Nims.
They didn't have anyone to take his place so she had to flounder for two years while they tried out some real losers.  And, she paid for no guidance for those whole two years!  Full price!
Then, they brought in this guy, Dick Steward, DSW, who was in the beginning or middle of Alzeimers (sp?)...and he may be deceased by now too.
Dick Stewart tortured every student he came in contact with....Fielding knew (all normal staff hated Dick Stewart), but they kept him in their employ for years.  He kept telling the same stories over and over about himself "My parents killed my duck when I was in the hospital and I ran away from home when I was 12."  My God, yes!  These are the crazy people they hire to be your teachers! 
This is not a good school. All about getting student money and nothing for the students.  
There are better schools.  This school has nothing to offer smart people. Take another choice, another school that offers more and doesn't take advantage of old burned out profs who have lost thier minds or can't even take care of themselves. 

There are no dumb graduates from Harvard. Don't be silly eddie. You said "Harvard is superior to other universities because it has always been the preserve of the rich..." Harvard has consistently been number one or two in academic rankings since rankings have existed. This has nothing to do with it being a 'school for the rich' rather it has been an outstanding research and educational institution with a high number of Nobel prize winning faculty. It is not a coincidence that 21 out of the top 25 (84%) universities in this country are private universities. Many of them give out scholarships to a large number of the student population. In fact, there are some large, highly ranked private universities
that have 50% of their student population on scholarships. The university does not collect a single dime in tuition costs from them. You said (silly eddie) "Most intelligent, accomplished, and admirable did not go to Harvard or any of the other snob schools out there." I am afraid that you are completely wrong here (again)! You are the one that needs to do the research!   

There are MUCH BETTER schools out there for a fraction of the cost!

What are the names of these other schools everyone says are out there? As a working professional I am looking for an off-campus (at least partially) experience that will allow me to earn my PhD while still running my business. Fielding seems like the only realistic option for me. If there are other schools out there, please share their names.

You said " I would rather employ a smart graduate of Fielding than a dumb graduate of Harvard." How silly of you. There is no comparison between a Fielding grad and a Harvard grad nor are there "dumb graduates on Harvard". There are only dumb people who make dumb statements like this one.  

Yes, there are dumb graduates from Harvard. Harvard is superior to other universities because it has always been the preserve of the rich - even today, with the tokens from the non-white and non-rich sectors of society, this and all other "elite" universities serve to maintain the class structure at least as much as they serve to educate the intelligent amongst the population. Do some research. Most intelligent, accomplished, and admirable did not go to Harvard or any of the other snob schools out there. 

I just finished my PhD at Fielding. 

I agree, in part, with both of the reviews above. I have found Fielding to be very unorganized and very difficult to navigate. Many of the professors I have worked with have been unresponsive and provide poor feedback. Although I finished with a 4.0 GPA, I wish that I would have more responsive professors at times. I also found that there are a few spectacular professors that made the program work every penny and nightmare experienced. 

The admin of the University is a mess as far as I can tell. While I take a lot of blame I found that I did not even know enough to find out what I did not know. Their internal website is a nightmare for discovering information and they do not seem to update it well. By the end of the program I simply started asking advisors, professors, etc what I should know. 

My one recommendation is to actively seek advice and counseling - what should I know is the best question I ever asked (repeatedly). The student advisors are spectacular in my experience but I needed to more actively use them. The problem for me is that I did not know I was heading towards trouble before I got there and had to use the advisors. I ended up paying way more than I should have due to a couple of atrocious professors, inadequate admin and my own ignorance. On the other hand it was a transformative experience that I do not regret. I also thank God I will never have to deal with them again. 

 Find the good professors, ask questions of other students and use the advisors (they will navigate you through the process). If you are in a larger city work with the local student organizations. Most of all get an aligned dissertation committee that can work well together. A committee that does not like each other is a nightmare. Most of all get committee members that can accept perspectives other than their own (by the end of your dissertation you know more than any of your committee members on the topic and a professor that insists on their perspective is a nightmare). It will be what you make of it, the demands are great and if you come through it you will find it worth the work. Self motivation is a must, however.  

 

Current student:FGU. 
Positives:
The model..as it was conceived was initially good-changed to trimesters a more traditional format & now it is rushed at the expense of the student.We have less time to get work done now-but its better in some respects as many students had Knowledge Area's open for years.

can individualize your program-must find a staff member who is not 2 "old school".Its more like having a guidance counselor or motivator if that helps.

If you have a family it is good to not have to attend class...some of the staff actually care about you..some.some staff have real world experience and are current in the trends in their fields...

Negatives
less than 25% I believe of the graduates from FGU participate in research.This may/may not be bad..it depends entirely on what you want.If u want to go into research go to their website and look into the number of graduates actually doing research..and have that be a critical part of your decision 2 attend a non-research orientated institution.  

They often assume everyone can afford to fly to  sessions..Also..these sessions-are more about touchy-feely type activities than actual work and are often repetitive and produce little.They are in expensive locations and Santa Barbara is one of them..need I say more?  

Not all of the students are some big executive types and are rich.  They do not take into account often that the diversity of the student body includes age, disability, family, work and other mitigating factors in how they teach you.

No office of disability services...they combine it with "student services" (they need one as even Capella has one)This is important if you need support as a student with disabilities.

The staff changes quickly and graduate advising is difficult to deal with as a result.I have had 4 in as many years. Fact. All in all..I left a major university to come here-don't think I would again.I liked the fact that you could learn at your own pace..until they took that away from you with the trimester format that took effect in 2009.

Has been a learning experience and is a decent school with decent staff if you factor in the good with the bad.

Degree worth? Where I live I mention the name and people go.."Is that a diploma mill?"  SIGH..this is a big factor in considering it even if it had the best reputation..as if nobody will HIRE YOU..what good is the degree especially if it is not in psychology.  Psychology is a little less competitive to get into a job with than HOD or Education with an unknown name..especially if you live in a northern or eastern locale..very few people know of FGU in this area...so that is another barrier.

I have had good/bad experiences at FGU..I rank it 7out of 10.Does that help? I hope they improve their graduate advising which is one of their weakest areas and create an Office of Disability Services.Education is more than a job too...it is about how you change over time.Hope this helps as I tried 2 be honest..even to a fault.

 

I would never hire a graduate of one of these glorified diploma mills.  I actually feel sorry for the students who are suckered into paying a large amount of money for a suspect degree.  You may be able to use it to get jobs at marginal organizations, but that is about it.

Wow - you don't even know anything about the program and you judge it this harshly. I am sure that intelligent graduates of any university would be happy to not work for you as well. 

I work with graduates from Fielding (I graduated from Fielding as well) as well as graduates of Harvard. The brightest is from Harvard. The least intelligent is also from Harvard. I also know some Fielding graduates that are suspect to say the least. Point is you might want to judge an individual based on their work and intelligence rather than making very ignorant statements about a program you clearly know nothing about. I would rather employ a smart graduate of Fielding than a dumb graduate of Harvard. You would seem to think that the intelligence of the individual does not matter.

You said " I would not place the blame of people not paying back their loans on the cost of an institution I would base it on their ability to do what it takes to succeed after they complete their degree program." While I agree that it is part of the problem, shouldn't students have researched this before committing to a degree program?

I work for a debt collection company that is contracted by the U.S. Dept of Education to collect on defaulted student loans.  People from all types of universites default on their student loans for multiple reasons.  I do not see a lot of accounts that are in default from online schools.  

There are 17 different agencies that are on the new Dept of Ed contract which started in November of last year.  Every couple of months each agency gets a drop of accounts and I am not sure how they figure out how many accounts go to what agency, but our last drop on 7/26/10 was around 15,000 accounts.  

Hypothetically lets say that all 17 agencies got 15,000 accounts on 7/26 that would mean there are around 255,000 accounts being collected on at this time and that does not include all the account that were dropped on agencies between Jan. and Jun.  I would not place the blame of people not paying back their loans on the cost of an institution I would base it on their ability to do what it takes to succeed after they complete their degree program.

I have reading some of the comments, and I was wondering what everyone's thoughts were on Walden University.  I have just started, and so far so good.  Although it is not APA accredited, it is regionally accredited; and through my research a PhD in clinical psych from Walden allows me to sit for licensure in several states.  Texas and Arkansas are two.  Anyway, just wanted to get some "takes" on Walden's clinical program.  Thanks.

I don't have a dog in this fight. The  only reason that I know of Fielding is that a customer asked  me to edit his Dissertation  Proposal a couple of years ago. It seemed routine. His instructor listed three or four items she wanted to see added to the paper and I added them. This proposal  came back with another five or six items needing change, she said. I did this. Do you notice a trend here? I revised and edited the paper 10 times and they wanted more. I do this for a living and I am good at it. The paper was fine. I have a Masters (not from Fielding or UCLA) and I have never seen such manipulation. Are Fielding readers paid by the page?

Independent study is not for everyone. Andragogy is the art and science of helping adults learn. (Knowles 1970)
If you like being a passive learner with an instructor spoon-feeding you and giving you assignments, then you are expecting a pedigogical model. One that you may have been familiar with in a K-12 school setting. This model continues through university studies at most institutions. Fielding Graduate University does not offer that. Your course of study is based on a practitioner-researcher model and learning contracts for Knowledge Areas. It is much more rigorous than sitting in class doing assignments.  It is as one other commentator states, "Not for the faint of heart." There are other schools as good or better, and some can't measure up.  My experience at Fielding has been excellent. Any problems I have encountered have been due to my own issues with perfection versus completion - a common ailment of doctoral students. BTW I have finished all my coursework and have gotten my disseration proposal past the IRB and am currently writing my comps. You can do it!

If you don't mind, can you provide some financial data? Did you take out a loan to fund your education? If so, how much was the loan? What is the interest percentage (i.e. 7%). What is the monthly payment on the loan?

I have nothing against students going to a school that charges over $100,000 for their programs (John on Oct.1, 2009 stated that his program's tuition was $120,000). What I do object to is the default rate. The percentage of students taking out loans that they later default on is increasing. I want to see students take out loans that they can afford to pay back. Is there anything wrong with that?

Now the argument has come up in this forum that anyone who tries to evaluate the cost of an education is 'stupid' and they will 'get what they pay for'. These narrow minded fools somehow are trying to say that it is Fielding or nothing!

My point in this forum has always been simple. Fielding is fine for those who can afford it. However, that being said, there are MANY other choices such as public universities that cost a fraction and are at LEAST EQUALLY AS GOOD!

Wow! The discussions here have been quite intense. I graduated from Fielding in 2007 with a PhD in Human & Organizational Systems. I must say, it was one of the best experiences of my life. First, I believe knowledg for its own sake is a worthwhile endeavor. However, I do know that many Americans focus first on the value the degree will bring, in terms of salary. I get that. I earn six figures and I know its because of my experience coupled with my educational background. While it is unfortunate that some are disparaging Fielding, I also know that there is no unanimity in anything in this country. Thus, I encourage each to check it out for himself. I must agree with those who said Fielding is not for those who require hand-holding. This model tends to be for independent adults who are goal-oriented. Good luck to those who are looking for a quality PhD program. Fielding worked for me, but that does not mean it (or any other specific school) will work for you. However, it is a quality school with top-notch faculty.

You said:

"I'm honestly not interested in the negative comments but rather quality and magnitude of any positive comments to help make a better decision."

I say:
I believe you have missed the point of some of the above posts. I see some of those individuals 'warning' prospective students of Fielding to be aware of the huge debt that they will run up (over $100,000 in many cases). I also see them making the point that there are hundreds of universities that offer outstanding educations at a fraction of the cost.

Does anyone have anything good to say about Fielding?  I'm honestly not interested in the negative comments but rather quality and magnitude of any positive comments to help make a better decision.  Research opportunities utilizing faculty in different states? disciplines? other instituational involvement such as prisons, hospitals, labs?

I believe you have missed the point of some of the above posts. I see some of those individuals 'warning' prospective students of Fielding to be aware of the huge debt that they will run up (over $100,000 in many cases). I also see them making the point that there are hundreds of universities that offer outstanding educations at a fraction of the cost. What is wrong with that? If Fielding worked for you and your employer paid of 50% of your education, great! However, many don't have that option. I have to agree with the warnings above. The default rate on college loans is at an all time high! Who is going to pick up the tab? You? Me? All of us? Think about that!

education is important and money is important..
you need to get the best education you can afford

an online program may be a great choice for someone due to their job, moving, etc.
in that case an APA-Approved, like fielding's may be your best option. 
Yet, if your GRE scores are high and you want a traditional program than an Ivy League school might be right for you.

either way, you are going to PAY for it. some might be able to afford fielding, but how much will you make when you graduate? 
if you determine any school is too expensive for you, don't go! don't do that to yourself.

**some people think getting a diploma makes them smarter or better than everyone else. 
at the end of the day, the school on your resume may get you an interview, but who you are, gets you the job.

well congrats on getting 50% paid..i am just wondering why you have time to blog? A disgruntled blogger about $ costs for education at fielding had nothing to do with the quality of education and whether is worth going to fielding. but like you said, is not about which school is better but what is best for you and you needs as an individual. personally if you had a choice where would u send your son. online or a campus/class..?

@ simple

I believe you have missed the point of some of the above posts. I see some of those individuals 'warning' prospective students of Fielding to be aware of the huge debt that they will run up (over $100,000 in many cases). I also see them making the point that there are hundreds of universities that offer outstanding educations at a fraction of the cost. What is wrong with that? If Fielding worked for you and your employer paid of 50% of your education, great! However, many don't have that option. I have to agree with the warnings above. The default rate on college loans is at an all time high! Who is going to pick up the tab? You? Me? All of us? Think about that!

I doubt any of the above individuals who used personal attacks to prove their intellectual superiority should even consider a PhD.  

Universities use different learning models.  Your traditional brick and mortar university built around face-to-face  education.  Those who compare UCLA to Fielding or Temple are simply comparing apples to oranges.  It is really not a matter of which one is better, the right question is "which one is better for me."  

As a professional with 20 years of experience I found myself at a point in my life where I needed to grow intellectually.  With a Master's degree from an Ivey League school I had no problem whatsoever getting accepted into a same university for my doctorate.  But unable to leave a well paying job, I ended up researching quite a few non-traditional graduate schools such as Union Institute, Walden, Fielding, Capella, Nova Southeastern etc. 

I ended up choosing Fielding for its innovative learning model, also for the high caliber of faculty.  I finished my PhD last year which has so far served me very well on different fronts.  Yes, graduate education can be very expensive but in my case my employer paid 50% of my tuition.  Believe me they would not have done it if they had a sliver of doubt about Fielding's reputation. 

My experience at Fielding has also equipped me with the ability to think independently without necessarily being somebody's little puppet.  I have friends and colleagues who ended choosing more traditional PhD programs.  Some of them loved the experience, mostly the opportunity to study full-time and park their careers, and some others did not like the experience and now wish they had chosen Fielding.

In conclusion, Fielding and graduate institutions like it cater to practitioners who want to also become scholars. Fielding's scholar-practitioner model may not be suited for everyone nor is the more traditional university perfect for practitioners with a ton of projects and clients to look after.

Hey...... pull your head out of your a**!!!

I am a graduate of UCLA. Stop acting foolishly! I suggest you go to Temple U. and not Fielding!

Haters!!!! leave me alone....i just want to go to UCLA!! and be rich one day and drive a huanday...or honda

STOP BRAGGING ABOUT UCLA!!! if you were a student at UCLA you woudn't have time to blog!! If you want to achieve you education online is your choice!!!
if you want to pay 1000000 its your choice!!! 
the quality of education can also highly depend on each individual. Just because i graduate from Yale with a 2.5gpa that doesnt mean i am better than Fielding either!!! so many factors to take into consideration yet so many EGOS!!

Cha (cha) is claiming to be a Fielding Graduate. You're right! She isn't a UCLA graduate. She couldn't get in there!

Hey CHA! you definately need some professional counseling. I highly doubt you graduated UCLA!!! Right? 

I am OBAMA!  and I went to Harvard! and  I drive blah...blah...oops I forgot to take my bipolar meds!!

Top 25 graduate programs in Psychology:

UCLA Rank: 7
Fielding Rank: (can't be found in the Top 25)

Stick that in your pipe and smoke it Cha Cha!

Go to Temple U. It is nationally known!!!!!

The Fool said: "You get what you pay for and your 35K doctorate without APA backing will be worth what you paid for it..." 

There are very excellent programs with APA backing that will cost you one-third of Fielding's tuition.

Some of you guys simply do not understand clinical psychology and probably shouldn't even post. Cha is 100% correct about the importance of an APA accredited degree. At this point in time Fielding Grad Uni is the ONLY APA accredited online course. You get what you pay for and your 35K doctorate without APA backing will be worth what you paid for it...Do some research on state licsensure before you come in here and try to counsel others...

Honestly, I am more interested in knowing how the graduates of Fielding compete in the job market. I am researching each institution with the assumption that I will come out with plenty of debt. I get that. However, I am a single mother of a medically fragile and developmentally delayed toddler. I am unable to work more than two days a week, due to his unpredictable episodes. I want my PhD, but it would be ideal for me to obtain it within the privacy of my own home. Again, my concern is that I will be a respected Forensic Psychologist, when it is all said and done. Will I be sought after, or will I be begging for work? This is my concern. The debt will be there, whether I attend FGU or Temple U., which is 20 minutes away.

Thank you to the poster on January 16, 2010. Cha (or Cha Cha as I called her) is full of crap. She was one of the jackasses that was sucked into this money pit but is far too stupid to realize it! Let's all hope that she doesn't default on her mega loan. Otherwise the tax payer will have to pay off her debt. How is that fair Cha Cha? By the way , we all love the way you put your foot in your stupid mouth!

"Go on and drive your jalopy, I have a Benz ML 450 Hybrid. Seems you could never measure up "super graduate."

This is amazing. Must be a custom build. MB never has made an ML450, nor an ML hybrid, let alone and ML 450 hybrid..hahaha, what a moron.

Think twice about attending a school that has a gigantic tuition! It will cost a 'treasure' to attend and you will be paying off that huge balance (at 6.5% interest) for many, many years to come. Go to a good state university and save $50,000-$75,000 (plus interest). Don't listen to those who were 'sucked in' and are now stuck with the bill. Let's just hope they don't default on their payments!

How hard is it to get accepted into Fielding? I have no experience in Psychology. My experience is in finance.  Thank you.

"Yes, I will have a huge debt but when I graduate I will be one of the few bilingual neurospychologists in the nation and that to me is priceless!!!!!"
We'll see in a couple of years when you are trying to pay off that huge debt!

Fielding PhD Clinical Psy program is an option for  people who need to keep their full time jobs and still maintain full time  doctoral student status. There is no other program like this nationwide. The traditional PhD Clinical Psy program requieres that you go on campus weekly and have full time status. Most of the classes are during the day therefore you can't maintain a full time job. This is my 1st year as a Clinical Neuropsy student and yes it is very difficult but the experience is unique. Which program gives you access to interaction with people from different states? In order to even be accepted you have to pass the critical thinking course. Yes, I will have a huge debt but when I graduate I will be one of the few bilingual neurospychologists in the nation and that to me is priceless!!!!!Education is definitely an investment, it is one of the few things that no one can take away from you. I did my research and all the PhD Clinical NEUROPSY programs are within that tution rate.

The individual who posted the original thread (-be wary) left Fielding for more than just financial reasons.  Please consider any source for information regarding any program.  Not everyone will have a positive or for that matter, negative experience at a program.  

As always, it's a matter of someone's readiness to undertake doctoral level work and the 'fit' between their needs, maturity level and ability with the program's structure and what they offer.  

I am a Fielding student, and I'll be graduating within the next year or so.  My experience has been excellent, so I would encourage those of you considering a distributed model to get lots of different sources and kinds of data.  

I'm not attacking anyone; merely trying to provide some balance here.  
~Q

Thank you MBA! Well said!

This is one person's experience.  Why are there not numerous others that have faced the same problem at Fielding?  Judging from the way the person even writes, I doubt that they had the capacity to finish any PhD program.  Furthermore, if you are about to pursue a PhD and someone encourages you to borrow a certain amount of money; I have a bridge to sell you.  I'm looking into Fielding and will do my own due diligence.  But as any would be PhD candidate should know; one persons review is not a true representative sample of the schools population.

"All of the PhD programs are going to run you $75K plus."
Simply inaccurate!

The neuropsychology program is actually $120K. If you work full-time and have 3 children and a house wife to take care of, you cannot beat the program. It is definitely not for individuals who need hand holding. You will not get it. Unlike a lot of other highly ranked and well known Universities, Fielding prepares you for real world independent practice. If you are 22 and single, you are not probably not prepared for a learning environment like Fielding. I recommend the traditional university environment for you. All of the PhD programs are going to run you $75K plus. Add your undergrad to that and your looking at a pretty penny no matter where you go.

I know two psychologists who graduated from Fielding Graduate University. They have already advanced rapidly in their subspecialties and have nothing but excellent things to say about Fielding, including that the Fielding clinical psychology program was modelled after Oxford University's tutorial system and is incredibly intensive and intellectually profound. I think that some people have a prejudice against the unfamiliar, but they may want to take a closer look at the illustrious faculty and recent graduates of Fielding.

I just finished reading the comments I this forum. I have no stake in this argument; I am merely a neutral observer trying to decide on a university to attend. The June 11th post (OMG!!!) was this:
"I will use $75,000 for this calculation. Since that represents less than the average between $58,000 & $95,000, it seems reasonable. 
Assuming a 6.8% loan (the current average)and 120 payments (10 years) to repay the loan, the repayment amount would be $103,572! That is 120 payments of approximately $863 a month. You would accumulate $28,500 in interest."

These are very scary figures indeed! There is no arguing that. Defaults on student loans are common place and to run up a total of over $100,000 seems irresponsible to me. I am just talking about the figures here. I am not passing judgment on Fielding. 

The other posts from August 3rd, 6th and 7th (Cha) seems to say that it is absolutely necessary to spend that kind of money to get a good education and anyone who attends a public university will get "a cheap education and half baked PhD!". Again, trying to be objective and not taking sides in this fight, that statement is just plain stupid on several levels. To begin with, there are many, many great public universities out there. Secondly, it is not imperative to spend in excess of $100,000 for an education.
I am not into psychology but my understanding is Fielding is a good graduate program if you wish to be a psychologist.
However, to make it sound like that is your only option is ridiculous!

I'm in FGU's Clinical Psych program.  I like it so far.  I'm sorry that some people had bad experience with them.  I think this school is more for working professionals who have another income source.  I chose FGU because there isn't any clinical psych program in where I live.  Also, my job involves a lot of travelling/relocating (can't stay in one place for more than two years).  So FGU was ideal for me.  Also, you don't have to do so much impression management (i.e., brown nosing) because you don't have to be face-to-face with faculties so much.  I think overall this school is ideal for those who can manage their time and prefer independent/free learning style.

My dear foolish little girl. You know not of what you speak. You speak only of YOUR field; not the school as a whole. I attended a school that is nationally ranked in the top 25! You have a school that outside of the field of psychology, no one in the nation or world has even heard of. That is the sorry truth. UCLA is a world leader in research in so many areas that time constraints do not allow me to list them all. Every half way intelligent person knows that Cha Cha. So, in the end, you are stuck with a huge debt of over $100,000 when you could have attended a better school for much, much less. Who is the real fool????? By the way, my second car is a Mercedes!

You are so myopic and immersed in your ignorance you could not even see beyond your nose! Fielding started and still runs the media psychology program in your "almighty" and "well known" school (UCLA), how about that? 95% of the faculties in that dept are Fielding doctoral graduates.
Fielding media psychology program is the first in the world, the Neuropsychology, forensic psychology, infant and parent psychology, anger and violence prevention psychology, health psychology are rated as one of the best/finest in the nation by APA, where is your beloved UCLA?
Silence is the best answer for a fool. I rest my case and moving on. I have better stuffs to do with my precious time. A drunk will never come to the realization he is drunk...same applies to you.
Go on and drive your jalopy, I have a Benz ML 450 Hybrid. Seems you could never measure up "super graduate."

Let's see...maybe the fact that UCLA is a top 25 university and Fielding is no where to be seen!!!!!! You foolishly mentioned "past glory" and a name that means nothing now. That is one of the most ignorant statements I have ever heard. Everyone in the U.S. and around the world (in academia) knows UCLA. You certainly can't say the same for Fielding. By the way, I own a Lexus. Good luck paying off your huge debt my dear!

What gives you the idea UCLA psychology program is better than Fielding. You are just living on "past glory" and a name that means nothing now. How many faculties do you have? Are they board certified (ABPP, ABPN) how many of your current faculties are past presidents of a division of APA, I guess none! At Fielding you can count on both hands. Give me statistics and not just stories. The reason why you pay more at Fielding is because it is a  PRESTIGIOUS Graduate University; it is like comparing a Geo Metro to a LEXUS! You got what you paid for....a cheap education and half baked PhD! Live with it, I pray you will not mess up the lives of your clients.
I do not need your good luck you can pocket it for yourself. 
If I can pay that much for a house, I will pay twice as much to educate myself.

You danced around the issue very well Cha Cha. The fact is too many graduates are so far in debt that they NEVER get out and default on that debt. You live in dreamland if you think Fielding is the only 'good' APA approved PhD program in the country! As for being "disgruntled" or "may have been kicked out of the fielding program" goes, you, my dear are way off. I am a graduate of a much better university you may have heard of; UCLA! Guess what Cha Cha; I did it without going into $103,572 in the red. Good luck paying off your $103,572 debt!

Fielding Graduate University is not for the chicken or jelly heart like some of the disgruntled comments above. This is a PhD program and not a kindergarten or a daycare where you pay $250 per month! Show me what grad program tuition is below $20,000 per year.
I am into my third year as a PhD student, we are trained to think independently and do critical review and not spoon feed like most of the local Universities. We have the highest quality of faculty/Advisors you can ever imagine.
Somebody must be on sugar Candy Mountain or dreamland to think states don't require APA accreditation and in most cases APA internship for you to practice psychology.
I guessed some of the disgruntled commentators above may have been kicked out of the fielding program!
As a new student, financial aid counseling is a must during a month long orientation. Financial aid counseling must be completed before a new student is invited for the New Student Orientation (NSO) in Santa Barbara.
My advice to the disgruntled, try the online doctoral program and get a half backed PhD for a cheap dollar.

You need to shop around. There are many alternatives to spending $103,572. I don't know if you fully appreciate how much money that is. That is 120 payments of approximately $863 a month! People get themselves into a mountain of debt and can't get out! I know very few people, PhD's included that can afford those payments.

All graduate programs are expensive. No one should be surprised to find themselves in the hole for over $100,000 upon finishing their graduate degree. I looked into Fielding and while I did appreciate the fact that the clinical psychology program is APA accrediated, APA accredidation is not required by every state to practice. In fact, in many states if you graduate from a regionally accredidated institution by a recognized body, and sit for(and pass) your licensing exam, you can practice. Also, just because a program is APA accredidated today, does not mean it will always be so, as some institutions stop seeking APA accredidation. I also many psychologists who graduated from APA accredidated graduate programs who are  as dumb as doornobs, I mean they know nothing.

It seems incredible that a grad student couldn't figure out that taking out a series of $18,500 loans would destroy him financially. The numbers that one of the guys posted is a scary amount of money ($95,000)

"Upon admission, I was encouraged by the financial aid staff to take out the maximum in loans (about $18,500 a year), with no counseling whatsoever about the long-term effect this would have on my financial health"

- Original Poster

  So let me get this right. You are have an undergraduate degree, are attempting to get a doctorate, and couldn't figure out the long-term ramifications of taking out $18,000 dollars in in loans by yourself?

Let's review some of the highlights from the February 24, 2009 post. The author said:

1."It was one of the worst mistakes of my life."
2."I was encouraged by the financial aid staff to take out the maximum in loans (about $18,500 a year), with no counseling whatsoever about the long-term effect this would have on my financial health."
3."The advisors that Fielding employs are some of the worst."
4."STUDENTS TEACH THEMSELVES AND EACH OTHER."
5."The tuition is exorbitant..."

Would you want to go to school here?

I don't know if anyone has taken the time to actually run some of these numbers but here they are (I hope you are sitting down):

I will use $75,000 for this calculation. Since that represents less than the average between $58,000 & $95,000, it seems reasonable. 
Assuming a 6.8% loan (the current average)and 120 payments (10 years) to repay the loan, the repayment amount would be $103,572! That is 120 payments of approximately $863 a month. You would accumulate $28,500 in interest. 

I don't know about you folks, but that amount of debt, over $100,000, scares me a great deal. There are much better options than this school.

The costs are staggering for a PhD:

-$18,420 tuition per year (estimate 3-5 years to complete the program).
-Other costs: Application $75, New Student Orientation $475, Orientation/session costs $683/year and books estimated at $2,000/yr. 
-30% reduction in tuition when you have reached the dissertation phase!

My nearest estimates are a range of:

$58,000- $95,000

If I have miscalculated, please point that out to me.

I feel badly for the person that got sucked into this school. Laying out $18,500 a year for this school is such a shame (according to the review above). That would mean a Master's would be $37,000 (approximately) and a PhD probably well over $55,000!!!!! Wow!!!!!!!!!! I know other private universities are expensive as well (such as Stanford and Harvard) but for God's sake, this is Fielding!!!

I am another individual that was seriously thinking about this school. After evaluating their program, examining the literature they sent me and considering the tuition costs, I will certainly not attend this school for my PhD. Although it will be more difficult for me time wise, I will make the effort to attend my local B & M university! Thank you for your review. It opened my eyes!!!!!!!

I just want to thank the individual that wrote the review 
"Fielding Graduate University- Be Wary" I am doing some preliminary research on PhD programs and had this school on a list of 6 or 7 possibilities. It seemed to have the flexible scheduling I was looking for and that is why it was on the list. I will be removing this school immediately!
Thanks again and I am sorry to hear of your experiences and the resulting financial problems with the school.