AdamCarrico

I am currently in the process of deciding between Syracuse and University of Kentucky for my MPA. Syracuse's Maxwell School is obviously among the top programs, but Kentucky has a good ranking as well. UK offered tuition + more, yet Syracuse only offered $10k of the total $53k for their program. This leads to my question: How big is the gap between the top programs and other schools? Is it worth the large amount of debt in order to get the well known degree and more opportunities or is it a better decision to follow the money and end with a slightly less spectacular degree? I appreciate any insight!