hesadork

Not really to be honest. I probably should be though. I've been focusing more on the practical experiences I will gain through the program instead (assistantships, internships, etc). A lot of my mentors who are currently working in higher ed said that should be one of my highest priorities.

If you're clear that you want to be in administration, then yes, I would give this option serious consideration.

Generally, people start in entry-level positions in student life or admissions/enrollment and work themselves up to the dean or VP level (if it ever happens).  This usually requires more than a decade of working in the field (perhaps two decades or so in competitive locations) and moving around to different institutions to gain middle management experience.  
 
That being said, have you ever worked in this areas?  I would probably try to secure an entry-level position in one of these areas before deciding upon this is the career path for you. 
 
Teaching experience (as hesadork mentions) would not be a factor for these type of positions.
 
Most Ed.D. programs are not competitive in the sense that they accept more than 50% of the applicants that they receive.  Usually the model is that they are part-time programs for working professionals in the field of higher ed.  They typically do not fund their students so people either take out loans and/or receive tuition assistance from the college or university that they are working at.  
 
There is also some debate on whether they are worthwhile programs as some people in the field believe that the degrees lack rigor.  Have you researched what type of degrees do CC VPs/Deans of admission/enrollment or student life have?  I would also look at recent job postings for these positions to see what credentials or experience CCs are looking for.  Usually the job postings on the Chronicle, HigherEdJobs, AIR, etc would have some of these positions listed. I would also try to talk to admins in CCs to get their perspectives. I have only worked at 4-year HEIs and I know that how things work can be different between 2-year and 4-year schools.   

Well, wait a second.  What do you consider to be a "top 20 Higher Ed MA" program?  The USNWR rankings of Higher Ed programs are for doctoral programs, not master's.  Huge difference.  Some of the best PhD/EdD programs in this field treat their master's students as nothing more than cash cows/free labor.  And some very fine master's programs aren't ranked well (or at all) by virtue of modest (or non-existent) doctoral offerings.  I'm not aware of any recent rankings of master's programs that could help clarify this situation.
 
In my opinion, you're far better off thinking about things like length of program, internship opportunities/requirements, net cost and regional placement than about "prestige" when pursuing a master's in this field.  Particularly if you have to pay tens of thousands of dollars for that prestige.
 
FWIW I think your credentials will hold you in very good stead.  

Are you interested mostly in int'l education in higher ed settings?  (Your mention of study abroad made me wonder.)
 
If yes, you might also consider higher ed or ed policy programs that have faculty doing int'l research -- BC (Altbach) and SUNY Albany (Kinser and Lane) come immediately to mind, though there are others.

I am a current student at the University of Michigan. I actually like the theoretical strengths of the master's program. I believe that the coursework has prepared me well for doctoral studies (should I plan to apply). The theories and interventions will help you gain a better understanding of how students think, thrive, and succeed in college.

CUNY Grad Center does not provide aid for master's degree programs. That said, I'd vote CUNY due to cost.

Best of luck, Dani.  New York is an amazing town.  --adl

Best of luck, Dani.  New York is an amazing town.  --adl

Date of post announcing that you'd received 2nd round funding from SIPA = April 22
 
Final decision deadline, Fletcher and SIPA = May 1
 
Today's date = May 16
 
SMH.
 
You started this thread because you wanted advice, so here's mine: land the plane.  Nothing is going to change in the next three days.  And the choice of one elite program over another or one great American city over another WILL NOT drastically alter your life's trajectory.
 
PS.  I sincerely hope for your sake that the admissions officers at the school you end up declining don't decide to call their colleagues at the other institution to try to get your funding revoked.  I've seen it happen before...and it's awful.  

Date of post announcing that you'd received 2nd round funding from SIPA = April 22
 
Final decision deadline, Fletcher and SIPA = May 1
 
Today's date = May 16
 
SMH.
 
You started this thread because you wanted advice, so here's mine: land the plane.  Nothing is going to change in the next three days.  And the choice of one elite program over another or one great American city over another WILL NOT drastically alter your life's trajectory.
 
PS.  I sincerely hope for your sake that the admissions officers at the school you end up declining don't decide to call their colleagues at the other institution to try to get your funding revoked.  I've seen it happen before...and it's awful.  

It's not the fact that "everyone is probably as over this decision" as you are that should make you feel embarrassed.  
 
It's the fact that you're sitting on scholarship money at these institutions that could otherwise have really helped someone, or could have changed their decision.  Just like the "unexpected 2nd round funding from SIPA" changed your calculus.
 
And that's just selfish.  And shameful.  And sh+tty.
 
Either put on your big girl boots and pull the trigger or make a date with the Karma gods.  Your choice.

Date of post announcing that you'd received 2nd round funding from SIPA = April 22
 
Final decision deadline, Fletcher and SIPA = May 1
 
Today's date = May 16
 
SMH.
 
You started this thread because you wanted advice, so here's mine: land the plane.  Nothing is going to change in the next three days.  And the choice of one elite program over another or one great American city over another WILL NOT drastically alter your life's trajectory.
 
PS.  I sincerely hope for your sake that the admissions officers at the school you end up declining don't decide to call their colleagues at the other institution to try to get your funding revoked.  I've seen it happen before...and it's awful.  

It's not the fact that "everyone is probably as over this decision" as you are that should make you feel embarrassed.  
 
It's the fact that you're sitting on scholarship money at these institutions that could otherwise have really helped someone, or could have changed their decision.  Just like the "unexpected 2nd round funding from SIPA" changed your calculus.
 
And that's just selfish.  And shameful.  And sh+tty.
 
Either put on your big girl boots and pull the trigger or make a date with the Karma gods.  Your choice.

Date of post announcing that you'd received 2nd round funding from SIPA = April 22
 
Final decision deadline, Fletcher and SIPA = May 1
 
Today's date = May 16
 
SMH.
 
You started this thread because you wanted advice, so here's mine: land the plane.  Nothing is going to change in the next three days.  And the choice of one elite program over another or one great American city over another WILL NOT drastically alter your life's trajectory.
 
PS.  I sincerely hope for your sake that the admissions officers at the school you end up declining don't decide to call their colleagues at the other institution to try to get your funding revoked.  I've seen it happen before...and it's awful.  

It's not the fact that "everyone is probably as over this decision" as you are that should make you feel embarrassed.  
 
It's the fact that you're sitting on scholarship money at these institutions that could otherwise have really helped someone, or could have changed their decision.  Just like the "unexpected 2nd round funding from SIPA" changed your calculus.
 
And that's just selfish.  And shameful.  And sh+tty.
 
Either put on your big girl boots and pull the trigger or make a date with the Karma gods.  Your choice.

Date of post announcing that you'd received 2nd round funding from SIPA = April 22
 
Final decision deadline, Fletcher and SIPA = May 1
 
Today's date = May 16
 
SMH.
 
You started this thread because you wanted advice, so here's mine: land the plane.  Nothing is going to change in the next three days.  And the choice of one elite program over another or one great American city over another WILL NOT drastically alter your life's trajectory.
 
PS.  I sincerely hope for your sake that the admissions officers at the school you end up declining don't decide to call their colleagues at the other institution to try to get your funding revoked.  I've seen it happen before...and it's awful.  

It's not the fact that "everyone is probably as over this decision" as you are that should make you feel embarrassed.  
 
It's the fact that you're sitting on scholarship money at these institutions that could otherwise have really helped someone, or could have changed their decision.  Just like the "unexpected 2nd round funding from SIPA" changed your calculus.
 
And that's just selfish.  And shameful.  And sh+tty.
 
Either put on your big girl boots and pull the trigger or make a date with the Karma gods.  Your choice.

It's not the fact that "everyone is probably as over this decision" as you are that should make you feel embarrassed.  
 
It's the fact that you're sitting on scholarship money at these institutions that could otherwise have really helped someone, or could have changed their decision.  Just like the "unexpected 2nd round funding from SIPA" changed your calculus.
 
And that's just selfish.  And shameful.  And sh+tty.
 
Either put on your big girl boots and pull the trigger or make a date with the Karma gods.  Your choice.

It's not the fact that "everyone is probably as over this decision" as you are that should make you feel embarrassed.  
 
It's the fact that you're sitting on scholarship money at these institutions that could otherwise have really helped someone, or could have changed their decision.  Just like the "unexpected 2nd round funding from SIPA" changed your calculus.
 
And that's just selfish.  And shameful.  And sh+tty.
 
Either put on your big girl boots and pull the trigger or make a date with the Karma gods.  Your choice.

It's not the fact that "everyone is probably as over this decision" as you are that should make you feel embarrassed.  
 
It's the fact that you're sitting on scholarship money at these institutions that could otherwise have really helped someone, or could have changed their decision.  Just like the "unexpected 2nd round funding from SIPA" changed your calculus.
 
And that's just selfish.  And shameful.  And sh+tty.
 
Either put on your big girl boots and pull the trigger or make a date with the Karma gods.  Your choice.

It's not the fact that "everyone is probably as over this decision" as you are that should make you feel embarrassed.  
 
It's the fact that you're sitting on scholarship money at these institutions that could otherwise have really helped someone, or could have changed their decision.  Just like the "unexpected 2nd round funding from SIPA" changed your calculus.
 
And that's just selfish.  And shameful.  And sh+tty.
 
Either put on your big girl boots and pull the trigger or make a date with the Karma gods.  Your choice.

It's not the fact that "everyone is probably as over this decision" as you are that should make you feel embarrassed.  
 
It's the fact that you're sitting on scholarship money at these institutions that could otherwise have really helped someone, or could have changed their decision.  Just like the "unexpected 2nd round funding from SIPA" changed your calculus.
 
And that's just selfish.  And shameful.  And sh+tty.
 
Either put on your big girl boots and pull the trigger or make a date with the Karma gods.  Your choice.

It's not the fact that "everyone is probably as over this decision" as you are that should make you feel embarrassed.  
 
It's the fact that you're sitting on scholarship money at these institutions that could otherwise have really helped someone, or could have changed their decision.  Just like the "unexpected 2nd round funding from SIPA" changed your calculus.
 
And that's just selfish.  And shameful.  And sh+tty.
 
Either put on your big girl boots and pull the trigger or make a date with the Karma gods.  Your choice.

It's not the fact that "everyone is probably as over this decision" as you are that should make you feel embarrassed.  
 
It's the fact that you're sitting on scholarship money at these institutions that could otherwise have really helped someone, or could have changed their decision.  Just like the "unexpected 2nd round funding from SIPA" changed your calculus.
 
And that's just selfish.  And shameful.  And sh+tty.
 
Either put on your big girl boots and pull the trigger or make a date with the Karma gods.  Your choice.