Hey hey. I got accepted into 3/4 schools I applied to. UT-Austin (Dual Degree Global Policy Studies and Middle Eastern Studies), American (United States Foreign Policy & National Security), and University of Minnesota (Human Rights). I'm leaning more towards American because of its location to DC and I feel as though I would have more opportunities to network and find jobs/opportunities in my field. The problem with American is the COL in DC is extremely high, their tuition is about $32.6k a year, and I only received $11,124k a year in funding. Austin on the other hand has told me that I haven't been awarded any funding as of yet, but that also don't seem to promising. They are $17.5k a year (could be more depending on credits and that was the price for 2017-2018 year). COL in Texas is significantly lower than DC, but not sure how I feel about the area? I do like the program, they have a great Arabic department, and Middle Eastern studies program. I am a bit worrisome about the connections to DC (essentially where I want to live or obtain a job after schooling), they claim they have good connections, but schools can say anything they want. Texas is the only program that is 3 years instead of 2. As far as the Humphrey School (UMN), I haven't received funding notification yet. I would be living at home, so no need to worry about rent.
I guess what I'm wondering is I've heard that if you have to pay for your masters, you're doing it wrong/they don't think you're worth investing in. That's worrisome. I'm not sure at all about how funding works. Do I secure funding? I know there are scholarships out there and I guess I should apply for those. I'm not sure what to do. Also, if anyone has an experience with these schools and advice (life after grad, funding during it). Any advice?
Thanks
