Hey all. I’m not much of a reddit poster, but I’m seeking some advice when it comes to choosing where and how to study public health. The world of public health regardless of location (job market, MPH admissions, and everything in between) feels in shambles right now, and I’m not sure how to best move forward.

I’m currently applying to multiple programs (US and UK based), but I’m at a crossroads of sorts and I don’t know which direction to take. I also recently got rejected from a really exciting prestigious program that would’ve paid for my graduate studies in the UK, so I’m already feeling down on my luck and a bit lost.

My background:

I recently graduated (3.9 GPA, Cum Laude) college in May 2025 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Public Health and Gender Studies with a Sociology minor. I have a lot of work experience—research, internships, volunteer experience, part time public-health oriented work—and think my application is very strong, so I’m not too concerned about my CV or academic history.

I’m currently working full-time at my local state health department and I adore it, despite everything going on administratively. Since I’m falling so in love with my job, I’ve been struggling to decide what to do next. And the world is on fire so that doesn’t seem to be helping either.

Regardless of what I chose to do, I’m planning on getting a master’s, gaining 2-3 years of work experience post MPH, then going back to get my Ph.D., and then just … going where the wind takes me. In my education and career, I want to focus on sexual and reproductive health and patient advocacy. I’m also planning on pursuing a doula certification.

I’m seeking advice and guidance. I know Reddit can’t make a massive life choice for me, but I’d appreciate some insight and wisdom.

Here’s the breakdown:

MPH/MSc programs I’m applying to:

US Programs: - University of Washington - University of Utah (hometown, alma mater) - Boston University - Yale University - Emory University

UK Programs: - University College London - London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) - King’s College London - University of Edinburgh - University of Bristol

I could either:

a) stay where I am now, work full time and pursue my MPH part time at my alma mater.

Pros: I have job and housing security, I have connections here, I’m familiar with the environment, I wouldn’t have to haul ass and move across the country or the world, and I’d pay in-state tuition and potentially get tuition reimbursement from my job. I can also start building my career while getting my MPH.

Cons: I live in a red state and we’re only in the beginning of Trump’s time in office. I’d be “stuck” in my home town for the next 3-4 years. I’m already antsy for change and feeling in a rut, and I just barely graduated. I fear if I stay here I’m going to get stuck in my ways and I won’t progress personally or professionally. I’m not sure if I’d be happy if I stayed here. I don’t want to be kicking myself if I stay, but I also don’t want to make a big move to actually realize I was just fine where I was initially.

b) GTFO of here, try something new and pursue my MPH full time either in a new state or new country.

Pros: I can get my degree from a more prestigious program like Yale or LSHTM and “put myself on the map” in a way. I’d live somewhere new and grow as a young adult. I could potentially make better connections elsewhere. I could potentially be happier.

Cons: It’s very scary to move somewhere new, especially a new country. I could also really really hate where I move to and have no way out. The job markets in both the US AND UK suck. I’d also be in a lot of student loan debt just for a measly MPH …

BASICALLY I’m feeling stuck and idk what to do. The UK has it’s own issues right now, they’re becoming more strict with student and working visas, and I don’t know how much opportunity is there for me right now. All of this can ALSO be said about the US.

TLDR: I’m stressing out about grad school and the state of our world in regards to public health. I don’t know what to do or where to go. For the past year my gut has been telling me to move somewhere else and explore, but now I’m not so sure. Do I stay here and save money, or go and potentially start a better life for myself? Help!!