Hey all,
I'm looking to discuss SIPA vs. SAIS in a non-financial context. Both schools, when all is said and done, will cost roughly the same for me to attend, so I can't really look at the decision through the lens of "go where it's going to be cheaper." I find that that tends to be the advice given in these forums, and while it's genuinely smart advice, it's not really a factor for me right now.
I am really just looking for some insight from students who may be making the same decision, who maybe have attended the schools, and who have opinions on which is better. For reference, I'll be studying conflict management with the hopes of working with overseas NGOs such as IRC and ICRC in the Middle East. I have been accepted to SAIS' MAIR track as well as SIPA's Humanitarian Aid track. Any insight into student life, access to professors and alumni networks, overall prestige in the working world, etc. would be appreciated. The choice is an exciting but difficult one, and it's tough to make these decisions when everything has to be done remotely/over zoom due to COVID :(. Normally I'd visit campuses and meet up with people to get a feel, but that's obviously not an option right now haha