creeplin,
I would not go $100k into debt to attend NYU. I actually sat in on a course there (French New Wave with Robert Stam) in the Fall, and the program seems more like an extension of undergraduate study than a serious Master's program. The class was quite full (about 15 students), hardly engaged with the curriculum, and the rapport was stilted/lecture style. My impression is that they have bloated their M.A. program in recent years in order to generate cash. I doubt that most M.A. students form close/lasting relationships with the professors and the program will not (without significant effort on your part) lend itself to the professional experience you may need to build in order to compete for doctoral programs again in two years. Don't cripple yourself with debt just to go to NYU.
MAPH is also very expensive and a similar cash generator. I personally would not do it, but U Chicago's site has testimonials which suggest that at least some students find success in the program.
In terms of Chapman, I unfortunately don't know anything about the school/program. I'd email the faculty with your questions/concerns and what you want to get out of the program and see if it's a good fit.
From having gone through a private university for both my B.A. and M.A., my (perhaps biased) advice is to choose an inexpensive program with a small cohort that is engaged in your area(s) of inquiry and caters to students who are on a PhD track.
Good luck! Hope you end up somewhere awesome
