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That's not necessarily true anymore, depending on the nature of the loans (federal or private). The OP should look into the updated IBR payment schedule. OP: I am in a similar situation, except that I am also intending on going to law school after my policy degree. Though I probably won't be taking on $250,000 in debt to go to Chicago MPP and law school, $100,000 in debt could be manageable for you, depending on salary and if you qualify for/use the IBR program/public interest loan forgiveness program.

I didn't say that you mentioned Harvard's name recognition...I was making that point myself. OP: I would think about where you want to work and the types of jobs you are interested in. Curriculum is one thing, but the vast majority of learning is done on the job. Most of the papers and research work that you cover in a master's program will be outdated in a few years, such that you will need to be constantly learning throughout your life. More important to your long-term success will be the research, management and leadership skills on offer. Figure out what type of work you want to do, identify the skill set that will help you succeed, and then go to the place that can provide you that set. HKS and Chicago have different strengths and deficiencies...those have been covered on here and in other places before.

What is it that you would like to do with this degree?

Yeah, Harvard is a strong brand and I'm not well-versed in the field of international environmental development. To me, it might depend on where you want to work after graduation. If you want to live and work in the Chicago area, then I would still say University of Chicago tops Harvard. If you want to get into the broader ID community (UN, World Bank, etc.), the Harvard name will get you the better opportunities off the bat. Also, I think you should consider what type of work you would like to do. If you want to do policy analysis, then University of Chicago is probably the stronger of the two, heavy in quantitative analysis and research. If you want to administer the programmatic side of things, then Harvard is likely a better fit, as it incorporates management and leadership training. There is a definite case to be made for University of Chicago, but if you are unsure of your path then greendiplomat might be right.

Yeah, I am in a similar situation -- in at Maxwell ($$$), CMU ($), and Harris (None). I'd like to consider Harris, but with no funding can anyone really justify it? (Not a rhetorical question...would like to hear opinions).

I'm in a similar-ish boat, except in at Maxwell ($$$), Heinz ($$) and Harris (None). It is difficult to pass up the UChicago name. Anyway, in your situation I might consider staying in Chicago. If that is where you would like to work, they will certainly have better placement in the city than Harvard. Plus, they have a mentorship program that will allow you to learn the local job market for your field and network while in school.