SummerDays

Coming from: East Asian Country (Not China) Deciding between: Syracuse MPA (Still waiting for funding info) Georgetown MPP (No funding on the first round, but they said I should let them know if I get $ from other schools) New York University Wagner MPA (Still waiting for the admission decision that will be released by April 12. But I need to decide before April 15 for Georgetown and Syracuse) University of Maryland College Park MPP (No funding, probably won't go) American University MPA (No funding, probably won't go) Other factors: School Ranking, Alumni Network, Location (Prefer City), Future Internship and Employment Opportunities. Funding is not the main problem since I have sufficient funding. However, I would still like to cut my COA down. How I'm leaning: If I am admitted to Wagner then it will be my first decision. Great location, school reputation, ranking, and everything. However, if I weren't admitted, I will be choosing between Syracuse and Georgetown. School Ranking: Georgetown is much higher than Syracuse, but for the MPP/MPA, Syracuse is the best. If I ever get an offer to stay in the U.S.A after graduation then it won't be a problem, but if I need to come home for work, Georgetown is more well-known than Syracuse. Alumni Network: Syracuse Maxwell is a well-established school with a wide network and Georgetown McCourt is a relatively new program. But Georgetown has abundance connection in DC. Location: Georgetown is in DC, which will be great for internship and future employment opportunities. Cost: Syracuse is 12 or 18 months program so the COA will be lower. Also, the cost of living in Syracuse is lower. Georgetown COA is wayyyyy higher and the living costs in DC is pretty high as well. However, the cost is a criterion, but not the main concern. Basically, I am choosing between these two programs because I am not sure whether I will be staying in the U.S.A to work after graduation. Georgetown has a way better ranking than Syracuse, but for the degree, it's the opposite. I am hoping someone with similar experience could share your thoughts with me! Thanks!