Graduate of "Elite" School

Well I think I should probably explain my comments in two pieces.
1. Some of the prestigious post MPP development roles - World Bank, JPAL, and etc., I have heard anecdotal feedback that:
A. It isn't the best working environment --> the biggest thing
B. Relatively low compensation
C. Ambigious impact
D. Disappointment with professional growth and development
2. The reason why I am less than interested to reunite with most people I know who went to such programs (exceptions are always abound) is because these were the people I knew in grad school always talked about chasing the dream to work at XYZ prestigious organization as a means of flexing their self-importance. In all fairness they were very intellectually capable beings. My issue with them wasn't arrogance per se, but lack of interest in actual impact. Instead, it was about proving to themselves they can do it to outdo others in the field, and not to make a difference.
That was one of the most interesting things I found in my MPP experience + saw when essentially camped out at Fletcher (and I will note that my family members who gone to MPP or other policy related / IR programs did not have the same experience). I imagined that a lot of people went to MPP or IR schools to make some level of impact that they were passionate about out of the interest of public service, innovation, or just doing something cool. 

Instead, I found a disturbing proportionality of people that I met who saw graduate school as a vehicle to advertise/justify how great they were because they could succeed (or at least perceived to succeed) in XYZ field. Conversations (even in class) were more about how so and so could take credit for XYZ rather than the opportunity to improve people's lives. 

For example, when I was visiting Fletcher, a very representative conversation I had with someone was a student felt so proud she was able to publicly challenge high ranking government official guest speaker and being able to 1 up someone so high was a indicator of excellence. 
I prefer classmates, programs, and learning environment whereby the focus is developing solutions and not self-aggrandizement, but I have learned that a big part of the public policy space (academically and otherwise) is about showing off your flexing on a regular basis (be it justified or not) over making meaningful solutions. 

The president said pretty clearly this executive order applies to people seeking green cards. F1 / J1 student visas are non-immigrant visas and therefore shouldn't be affected. 
I am sure this is a stressful time for everyone but stoking fears about something you have zero information about is utterly pointless.  

Or alternatively, just wait to see what the EO actually says before panicking? 

Please please please do not do this. 

Go to the cheapest. If you are determined and smart your outcomes will be near identical. You can comfortably pay of 10k debt in a year if you live frugally. 80k will have an significant impact on your life.

Go to the cheapest. If you are determined and smart your outcomes will be near identical. You can comfortably pay of 10k debt in a year if you live frugally. 80k will have an significant impact on your life.

Go to the cheapest. If you are determined and smart your outcomes will be near identical. You can comfortably pay of 10k debt in a year if you live frugally. 80k will have an significant impact on your life.

Try renegotiating. I got my offer increased from 50% -> 85%...

Please please please do not do this. 

Please please please do not do this. 

PSA...just go wherever is cheapest.

Heading to an MPP that costs north of $160,000 with zero funding is something that I, and everyone in the public sector, would *highly* advise against. This is even more true as we enter a recession, because graduates of all programs, including HKS, will be fighting for entry-level jobs. Head to the school that offers the most $ or reapply another year, when job prospects upon graduation improve.

PSA...just go wherever is cheapest.

100% go to SAIS. The sticker price of a so-called "elite" international affairs program is not worth it.

100% go to SAIS. The sticker price of a so-called "elite" international affairs program is not worth it.