lost_in_translation

Yes this makes sense. I didn't receive any funding so they're probably less in need of hearing back from me since I don't effect their accounting numbers as much. I'm looking to be a dual-degree student with another school at Columbia (who offered me a generous scholarship) so I will only be at SIPA for the first year, and I am hoping to use my ineligibility for any second year funding (which they love to tout) and my current scholarship offer from the other school at Columbia (which is only eligible if I enroll this fall at that program) as the 'leverage.' So we'll see what happens. 
Hopefully they'll have some more cash free'd up by next week and will be feeling generous. And thanks for your responses!

Hope I'm not too late to the game.
I've been agonizing over SIPA vs SAIS ever since decisions came out, as both have lots to offer. Some background: I'll likely explore government/policy positions in Washington and private sector/policy jobs in Japan, where I've lived the past six years. My longtime goal has been to join the Foreign Service, but I'm hesitant to commit to government, especially with the ongoing hiring slump.
My thinking so far on each school's merits:
SIPA:
- Offering $$
- Possible dual degree with University of Tokyo, which has dirt-cheap tuition and sets me up for Japan jobs
- Strong global brand
That said, I got weird vibes from a reception I attended in Tokyo recently. The one American I talked to didn't exactly gush about his experience, claiming the school's culture is highly transactional, and that students are most interested in whether you're a useful future contact. However, I don't want to make sweeping judgments based on a handful of interactions.
I also wonder if the dual degree would severely handicap my U.S. job search.
SAIS:
- In Washington
- Very impressed with the reception I attended. Everyone was incredibly friendly and professional, and I felt like they were the kind of people I want to be around
- The required international economics concentration helps with private sector jobs
On the other hand, I didn't receive funding from SAIS, which was a huge letdown. I think I'd enjoy SAIS more, but SIPA offers more financial upside.
At this point, I thin my decision hinges on the importance of location. If living in DC gives me a clear advantage with jobs, that might push me toward SAIS. But if location isn't THAT crucial (NY isn't far away, and SIPA has a strong alumni network), I'd be more inclined to pick SIPA.
Any thoughts--especially on the the importance of location and each school's culture--would be super helpful. Congrats to all and best of luck with your decisions!

If you want to be in DC after grad school and you’ve never lived in DC, you should go to grad school in DC—especially if you liked the school more. It’ll help you establish your network, explore various internships during the school year (when you won’t have as much competition as you will during the summers), and living in DC is cheaper than NYC. I would take that into your financial calculations as well.