Hey everyone,
So I've narrowed my choices for prospective IR grad programs down to 2. I should say beforehand that I have 6 credits of transferable credit, so if I REALLY bust my butt, I could finish in 3 semesters.
On the one hand, I've been accepted to The Elliott School (I was also accepted to LSE, but the cost of living in London is prohibitive, and I'm more interested more in practically oriented course work than in theory at this point.) This is obviously a well known and prestigious program, whose graduates have a good track record in getting jobs. It is also hellishly expensive, even before DC living is factored in.
On the other hand, I have my safety school, Marquette University in Milwaukee. Still a well regarded school in general, but not particularly well known for their IR program. They have, however, offered me complete tuition coverage and nearly 20,000 in living stipends, which will let me live a pretty decent life in Milwaukee and cover a semester or summer in DC.
I have a decent amount of professional experience, and spent awhile as a fellow in the US Dept of State. I also know that in this field, grad school is more about the networks you make than the actual degree you get. I have a network in DC, but I'm afraid that will weaken in my absence.
Thoughts? Any advice would be greatly welcome.