MPPplusDebt

Sure but I thought you could only take out $20,500 per year in Federal loans? That means less than $41,000 of the $140k would be forgivable right? http://studentaid.ed...tudentloans.jsp Am I mistaken? (hope so).

::stands on soapbox:: I would think very carefully about what $1200/month loan payments will mean in terms of your future, whether it involves having a family, wanting to travel or the types of jobs you will be able to take. Massive loan debt could very well impact all of these things. I have more than a few friends in this situation now and in this economy especially, it is not pretty. I agree that a masters is very helpful for some people at some points - but the loan debt can be a huge burden, especially in this field. Personally I think taking out this much in loans is a very risky decision and that a masters from a state school (or in Europe) at 1/10-1/2 of the cost can be a much more worthwhile option. I would also consider whether it might be wiser to take another year and spend literally 6-9 months studying for the GRE at nights and on weekends, or spend a year working in the field, to improve scholarship chances. It doesn't simply have to be 140k or no grad school at all, there are many options in between and many programs that do not require such a large debt burden. There is also the option of working and saving money for a couple of years. If you are wealthy and/or have family that can support you should things get sticky, then that's a different situation. Personally I've decided I will not spend that much, I'm looking to take on $60k max.

Good luck to all WWS waitlisters. It looks like we don't have much longer to wait as I think decisions by accepted students are due today.

Thanks for your reply. My previous job was in advocacy but funding ran out and so I abandoned ship. I would like to get back to that kind of work but a lot of the more stable jobs (UN etc) require a Masters. Basically Wagner doesn't seem as good for this kind of work (and is more focused on nonprofit management and public finance, i think) but it's just so much cheaper...and still a reputable name. There is no question if the $ situation was the same I would go to SIPA, but currently I have a couple of friends graduating from there that have no work prospects and would kill for my job. So the decision is not easy. thanks for your input!

HI All, Me 30 yrs old - 5 years experience in the nonprofit sector (international). Currently work for a well-known international NGO in NY (in a mostly administrative, though well paid position) Considering an MPA/MPP degree, would prefer quant and econ-heavy. I have read dozens of posts here and in other forums and would really appreciate feedback on this hypothetical. This is how I see my options: 1. NYU-Wagner, stay at work, zero debt With my current salary and scholarships, I could probably attend NYU Wagner MPA part-time and finish the degree in 3 years with no debt. However I'm not sure I'm impressed with the courses/jobs of recent graduates. The school seems very focused on NGO management and public-finance which is not really my thing. Other alternatives (again hypothetical combo of savings and scholarships): 2. GPPI, SIPA, Harris, SAIS, Fletcher with maybe 70k in debt I have friends graduating from SIPA that are unable to find jobs and so I am reluctant to do this. That being said I know that these schools can open doors and give private sector options some others can't (which can help with the debt). 3. GWU or American in DC with significant scholarship (maybe 20k debt) I have heard good things about these programs. The downside is leaving my job in this economy, considering I have a relatively high salary already. This seems like a more reasonable risk but I wonder if it's worth it. Does it make sense for me to leave a well-paid (albeit boring) job in this economy to take on 70k or even 20-30k in debt for an MA degree? Any thoughts on my ramblings would be appreciated.