Eclectic4

Hey! Thanks for the response. Yeah, I'm kinda stuck too. Columbia is the best match for me program wise. I got into Johns Hopkins' new Global MBA program with awesome funding and Upenn's Fels School of Government (MPA) with almost half tuition as well. Problems: Fels is great for domestic policy and admin. Johns Hopkins MBA program is new and unranked, small alumni network, etc. Help! Haha. My problem is that I dream of doing international sustainable development, so obviously Columbia's MPA-DP is the best fit out of those three. I just don't want to have to declare bankruptcy or something if i can't get a good job after.

Hey fellow SIPA applicants:). I really want to attend SIPA's MPA-DP program this fall (got in), but worried about being able to pay off such a huge loan. Given that I didn't recieve a scholarship, my loan burden would be quite heavy, perhaps a little under $100,000. I'm sure some other people are in this position? What are your thoughts? It seems as if coming out the gate one can get a position paying anywhere from 40-70,000. I have been reading a lot of blogs and posts where people feel that $100,000 in debt is unjustifiable given the salary range of mpa careers.

Any thoughts peeps? I am interested mainly in international ngo and development work. What would you pick? JHU is a great school but the MBA is brand new without an established alumni network.

Hi everyone, Fels admit here for Fall 2012. Currently trying to decide between Fels, Columbia SIPA, and the new MBA at Johns Hopkin. Anyone here going to Fels for sure?

Hey Chipembere! Yes, I got accepted to Sipa's MPA-DP program and although excited, really stressing about the sticker price. However, like you, I will be there on the 10th for the admitted students thing.

Hi Everyone, I got into SIPA but didn't apply to SAIS. Currently, I am debating whether I can take on a huge loan due to no scholarship from SIPA. Does anybody have any real visibility about employability after SIPA? Do you guys think the price tag is worth it?

Hello everyone, I am admitted to Sipa's MPA-DP program. Does anyone have any perspective on the placement, job opportunities, and possible salary range post-study? I didn't receive any scholarship so I need to think practically. I am also accepted to UPenn's Fels School of Government, which offered me some $.

Hello Everyone, I am admitted to Fels for the fall of 2012. Is there anyone here who is attending that can let me know what they think of the program?

Hello Everyone, It is great to see the good posts about MPA's. On this site I have seen a lot less about Penn's Fels. I got into Fels, Sipa, and one mba program. What are your views on the professional potential of a degree from Fels?

Hi Everyone! I am an MPA applicant to Fels as well. Got accepted with a small scholarship. Does anyone one here have a realistic view of the job prospects/average salaries coming out of Fels? I also got accepted to Columbia but didn't receive a scholarship there and cost of living is more. So debating.

Hey everyone, I applied to two types of programs: MBA's and MPA's. So far, I have gotten into Columbia Sipa's (no scholarship) MPA-DP, UPenn Fels' MPA ($16,000 a year), and JHU's new Global MBA ($30,000 a year). I would really like to go to SIPA but obviously it is the most expensive and the most debt given my scholarships. Does anybody have any thoughts as well as information on job placement/ salary range for Sipa?