hay

Thank you both for taking the time to give me your imput. Validation goes a long way

Hi everyone, I'm having trouble deciding between UCLA'S Master of Urban Planning program & Cal State Fullerton's Masters of Public Administration with an emphasis in Urban Management. Upon visiting both Welcome Days, I felt more "at home" at CSUF and felt reassured that I would be able to virtually fulfill my Planning desires by taking a synthesis of Master's Geography courses in addition to my Policy work. But, I can't help but feel the nagging torture of turning down UCLA (for a second time). It has long been my dream school, and I've heard nothing but amazing things about their MURP program. However, I just felt a little underwhelmed about the Department (especially the environmental concentration faculty I'd be conducting research with- I was spoiled at UCSB). And ultimately, finances are huge in my decision process. UCLA offered me 41K in loans per year- so no department grands or dean's honors. CSUF will only cost $10K per year, & have qualified me for a ton of grants and scholarships. I already have approx. 80K in student debt (combined with my parents) for my undergrad at UCSB, & although I know UCLA has the more prestigious reputation, I want to be reassured that I'm not out of my mind for choosing my local Cal State program. Any insight would be greatly appreciated, as I'm slowly losing my mind trying to choose.