[MPA, ADVICE WANTED PLEASE: FEW DAYS TO MAKE THE DECISION]

@JAubrey--- I'd like to either work internationally or in California. I could work in New York because that is where I am originally from, but have no desire to work in DC (spent a summer there and that was enough). My goals post -MPA would be to work in a nonprofit or even private consulting organization doing working internationally but based in the US. I graduated from a top 10-liberal arts college in 2007. I worked as a paralegal for two years in San Francisco, and then spent 2 years as an English teacher in Ecuador with an education nonprofit from the US. Since then I've been teaching English independently at an Ecuadorian University. My Spanish is fluent.

--note about the cost calucation---I estimate Syracuse after all costs to be about $20,000 more expensive, but that may be generous. Syracuse is $40,000 more expensive tuition wise, but I believe it will be $20,000 cheaper to live. Rent/food is cheap there---but I may be exaggerating in which case Syracuse may be more like $25-30,000 more expensive.

@USMA06--Thanks for the advice!

Anyone else want to chime in? Anyone who looked at or is attending Maxwell or Price? Thanks

[MPA, ADVICE WANTED PLEASE: FEW DAYS TO MAKE THE DECISION]

Ooops. Didnt say before USC, that I'm also into the dual MPA/IR program at Syracuse Maxwell

[MPA, ADVICE WANTED PLEASE: FEW DAYS TO MAKE THE DECISION]

and USC Price School’s MPA with a half tuition scholarship. My background is in political science and international affairs, and I have experience with education non profits abroad. I’d like to have a managerial role in a nonprofit or in a urban development organization. I'm leaning towards USC, mainly because of the more generous financial offer. Thoughts?

Syraucse Pro/Cons

Pros

-The dual program (with a global internship) may be more exciting

-It seems as if Syracuse has greater national and international name recognition (please correct if you feel otherwise)

-The MPA program generally seems deeper

Cons

-Full price—about 75,051 (tuition/fees) + $30,000 (living)= $105,051

-Not sure if that debt is really worth it

-Syracuse is far less interesting than CA

-May not have a strong presence on the West coast (where I may ultimately like to work)

USC Price MPA Pros/Cons

Pros

-Half tuition, so total about ($34,571+$50,000)= $84,571

-LA is exciting, dynamic, diverse

-USC seems to have a wonderful rep in CA (need to get a better idea of nationally and intl)

Cons

-Weak intl element

-Not sure if employment stats are quite as good as at Syracuse

-Possibly less national/intl reputation

I’d greatly appreciate any put.. Thanks in advance