AndyAirbender

Thanks again so much, SerenityNow. This all makes sense. I do plan on working a few years before anything for sure, so I'll definitely have a better vision as to what to do by then. Have a good day!

I was simply describing the prospect of doing a state-based program based on the previous response by SerenityNow

I understand that, but what I’m asking is in my situation of trying to look for an online school and wanting to keep working locally, would going to the state-based online school be the best option theoretically?

Forgot to quote you, wasn’t sure if you would see my reply. Read above, please. Thanks again!

Thanks so much for your comment. I have a question for what you mean by flagship school, though. I’m in Ohio and like I mentioned there is no MPA close to me, so I’d have to do online. So while OSU is probably the biggest “flagship” school that has a non-online MPA program, would Kent State count as a flagship school as what you mean in my circumstance, being that it is literally the only online MPA program in Ohio? Thanks!

Very true. Thanks so much

I'm currently about halfway through pursuing an undergrad degree in Public Administration, and I'm already looking ahead into getting into an MPA program after a couple years of work. I'm definitely wanting to work locally in local government/nonprofits, and attending a prestigious program far away from home is a non-option due to family. With that said, there is really no option for a brick and mortar school close enough in commuting distance, so I must find an online MPA program. My question focuses on the prestigious level of online programs. I, of course, am looking only at accredited NASPAA programs, but it is evident how some programs appear much more in-depth and respectable. For example, both Kent State and UNC's online MPAs are accredited by NASPAA, but UNC's program appears to be of such a high quality that both programs seem to be on different levels of respect. My question is, based on my career goals of working on the local level, does this type of "prestige" matter? Obviously the difference in Kent State's tuition of ~$20k to UNC's of ~$50k makes a huge difference financially which makes me want to go to Kent, but I want to ensure my professional degree will be respected. Thanks!