JoyWalker

Hi All, I am an international student who received an offer to do a MPA from Columbia SIPA, Fall2016 with $30k funding each year. That's $60k totally. Honestly, I've been noticing some harsh comments on SIPA on gradcafe though its a great program. I've cornered down to Columbia SIPA, Ford-Michigan and Heinz CMU and trying to finalize on one. Thoughts on my mind: 1. Columbia SIPA : Huge reputation, 2 year program, internship possible, still comes with a huge debt inspite of $60k funding. 2. Ford-Michigan : 1 year program, lesser debt, NO internship potential. As an international student with 5 year experience, I would like to do an internship but its not the deciding factor. 3. Heinz CMU: Great reputation, 2 year program, internship possible, huge debt. Given both top private schools, Columbia and Heinz, I'm more inclined towards Columbia SIPA unless I know Heinz has something great that SIPA doesn't. Is Columbia SIPA with $60k funding worth the risk of huge debt or FordMichigan? I would appreciate few thoughts/suggestions on deciding out of the three above. Offered - MPA: Columbia SIPA - $30k funding each year. Heinz CMU - 30% funding each year Ford Michigan, Ann Arbor - No funding George Washington - $20k each year Maxwell, Syracuse - $10k Rejected: Harvard