Hi, Pavlik,
Thank you very much for your opinions! As I know, the expenses (tuition and other fees) of GWU are slightly higher than that of Maryland. I was told by GWU that I would not be offered internal scholarship, but Maryland put me on the waitlist for merit-based funding. I'll email them to ask about my chance to get any funding later, but the overall price would probably turn out to be more affordable at Maryland than at GWU.
In addition to the funding, the two points you mentioned are exactly my concerns. GWU's central location and connection with the US political world make me feel easier to find public-related work. Also the international reputation does matter to me because I'm a Chinese-American and very likely to work abroad in the future. In addition, the events and presentations that GWU held for their program after I was admitted unexpectedly impressed me and made me even more believe they have a really good network inside and outside the program. On the other hand, Maryland kind of disappointed me in their admissions process.
It seems I'm leaning toward GWU right now. But I hope the picture would be clearer after I ask about my chance to get funding from Maryland. By the way, are you attending Georgetown MSPP this fall? They put me on the waitlist and said they will have an update on 25th. Still hoping I have chance to get in and all of this will just end!
Thank you again for your reply!