I was accepted to to NYU, Columbia, and Erasmus Mundus. I chose NYU for the following reasons:
1. Faculty and Students - I just felt much more comfortable with the faculty and students of the program.
2. Study Abroad - My biggest problem with the Columbia program is the lack of short term study abroad opportunities. What's an International Education M.A. without a study abroad option?
3. Financial Aid - As far as I know NYU offers a substantial amount of financial aid to their International Education graduate students. I received a 50% tuition paid scholarship. Do not forget to apply using their scholarship applications!
Honestly it's all up to you. It's a personal decision and you will have others with their own opinions about the program. Get back to me when I've been in the program for a year : ).
I think if your application has a strong statement of purpose and some impressive recommendations you might be able to pull it off.