[MPAff Programs - Highest Ranked or Closest to Desired Place of Future Work]

14 hours ago, Windmills said:

Going by US News rankings UW-Madison might technically be higher than UT, but as Ax8 said the difference isn't large. For MPAff, UW is #12 with a score of 3.8 (whatever that means) and UT is #16 with a score of 3.7. If you're leaning towards Public Policy/Analysis specifically, UW is #10 and UT is #11.

It's hard to say "no" to a full-ride, but if you truly want to end up in Austin then I think it's a no brainer to go to UT. The only thing is you said "ten years from now." Do you want to get experience or live elsewhere for a number of years first, and then settle down in Austin? Unless you are absolutely set on ending up in Austin, you might want to consider the possibility that you'll change your mind and want to work or live in DC, NYC, etc. instead. In which case I would also consider the national appeal of UW/La Follette and UT/LBJ. I don't know enough about either to comment on that, but I am curious how marketable UT/LBJ is to federal agencies and DC in general compared to a local university like Georgetown or "better" MPAff programs.

"Ten years from now" was poor wording on my behalf - what I meant was I could definitely see myself getting married, starting/raising a family, and working there after graduate school, wherever I go. Like I said previously I plan to pursue a career in social policy and I have already determined that I'll return to the South after obtaining my degree. The question is, is taking out a loan to stay in the South for graduate school (to make connections, integrate myself into the community, etc.) worth it?

[MPAff Programs - Highest Ranked or Closest to Desired Place of Future Work]

Hey all, 

I'm trying to make a really difficult decision - I am planning to enroll in an MPAff program this fall and am down to two final choices. I received a full ride to UW-Madison's La Follette school (a fellowship the first year with full tuition and a living stipend with an assistantship the second year) as well as full tuition to UT-Austin's LBJ School. Ten years from now I envision myself working or living near Austin (as it is an incredible city and fairly close to Shreveport, my hometown). 

Should I take out the small loan needed to go to the LBJ school or should I enroll in the La Follette school (which, by most rankings, is better)? I plan on concentrating in social policy and hope to work at a state-based think tank such as the Texas Center for Public Policy Priorities. 

Thanks in advance!