MPplease

With decisions due just around the corner for MPA/MPP programs and me feeling no closer to deciding on a program, I thought I might turn to the advice of the internet community! I was admitted to three wonderful programs - Columbia MPA (no funding), Duke MPP ($40k/year), and Georgetown MPP (7k/year). My main interest lies in migration/social policy and looking ahead, I'd love to work in research/advocacy/federal policy making. My main factors in decision making: 1. Area of study: I've worked for three years at within the immigration sphere and although I'm not wholly convinced that's what I'll keep on doing, it is a passion. As far as I can tell, Duke seems to have the least going on in terms of migration (one class/year, no policy social groups dedicated to the topic, that sort of thing). However, Duke seems to be very well rounded and focused on quant heavy classes, which calls to me as someone who doesn't love econ/stats. For any McCourt current students (especially those who, like me, are not the most quant focused) I'm curious how much to take into account their roughly 6 required quant courses? And for those thinking about SIPA, is there enough quant to be well-rounded? 2. Access to internships/connections: Especially as I think about a career pivot, it feels important to have access to professors and alumni with connections and opportunities to work during the school year. My impression is that DC and NYC students are more focused on the internship game vs the students I spoke to at Duke, but curious to hear otherwise. 3. Location: while I love NYC conceptually, I'm having a hard time accepting NYC cost-of-living. On the positives - tons of jobs, culture, vibrancy. Cons: $$$ and very rush rush feeling. On the other hand, I live near DC now and love it - access to nature, cultural life, jobs - could definitely see myself ending up there. My impression of Durham was that there honestly isn't much to do. I'd love to be convinced otherwise, but I am curious how the location might play into opportunities for work etc. 4. While i'm lucky that cost isn't my main deciding factor, it definitely plays a role. It's hard for me to understand ROI wise if living in DC or NYC would have a major or minor impact on post-graduation plans vs. Durham. Thoughts? Ideas?