Hey folks. All of the application decisions are in, sans one, but so far these are my choices. Some of costs are scary but I figure I will be working for 40 more years and this is an investment in my career.
Pepperdine MPP
-Full time program, so I have to quit my job (which I would be looking forward to) but that just means more loans.
-Best FA package so far, ~45% tuition scholarship (still working on sweetening the deal)
-Not ranked too highly in usnews, but at least its in the top 100
-Has a solid placement program, which is very important to me because I will be switching industries entirely
-Out the door cost (ie books, rent, food, tuition, etc) as of now is a tad under $80000 in loans. Again that could improve if they reconsider the aid but no guarantees
Claremont MA in Politics, Economics, and Business
-Would keep job for at least a year, then go full time student. This would keep the program cost down.
-Gave a small fellowship, asked for more, gave a slight increase
-This is a specialized program and right up my alley. I met some profs and students and came away impressed.
-Job prospects would be pretty good in the region, but this school isn't well known outside of socal
-Out the door cost is around $70000 of loans
USC MPA
-Could probably swing this as a strict part timer in 2 and half years due to most of the classes are at night or late afternoon.
-Zero FA, still waiting on loans. Still seeing if I could be considered for the following years.
-Top ten program in the field, well known nationally, which would help in the job hunting
-Great placement program, outstanding alumni connections.
-Don't know exactly what the costs are yet but assuming no future funding and if I am able to keep my job then I would owe an estimated ~$70000 of loans. That could be off. The only reason it is cheaper than the others is that still working full time will help offest any costs after Stafford Loans.
Any thoughts?