jaggedblade

I think you need to check your math for Maryland. The half-graduate assistantship covers all tution except approximately $1500 per year. Therefore, your total cost would be $3000 plus approximately $20000 room and board (for 2 years). Your total cost for Maryland would be $23,000, not 40-50k.

I emailed the MPP admissions about the Master's thesis any they told me that "Every student has a project course in the second half of their second semester related to their specialization which is an extended study on a specific policy topic. This study could be extended into a thesis, though this is not required." I am unsure how I should feel about this response. If I was applying to a PhD program afterwards, I would need to have started the thesis by that fall. Hopkins has a very small MPP class of around 30 which could increase this year. Maryland has a large MPP class of roughly 115. Duke has an MPP class of 55. I think this could be a major factor to consider. However, Maryland's large MPP class is not as concerning because I would have an assistantship. On the other hand, Hopkins small MPP class could hamper alumni connections. Just some food for thought.

Phillympp, I was curious at to whether you have heard anything more about the UMD MPP program. I am also interested in the ISEP concentration, but I am having some difficulty finding more information about UMD. Like you, I was also awarded a generous financial aid package to Maryland. Does anyone have more information about how Maryland would rank compared to Duke or Hopkins for the MPP? And can anyone attest to the quality of the program? I would appreciate any information that anyone has.