NYU MPA or GWU MPA?

[bliss_135]

Hi All, 

I've been accepted to NYU Wagner for the MPA and into GW's MPA program at the Trachtenberg School. My concern is, would Wagner be just as good as GW's program? I've heard that Wagner is very focused on domestic policy vs. international, which is my interest. At Wagner I would pursue the international specialization, how strong is it? This is one of my main concern. 

The reason I am leaning very heavily towards NYU is because my family is there and I could live at home, which would mean being able to do school full-time (finish in 2 years) and save living costs. It is also possible that NYU will be giving me some aid, whereas GW has me on a waitlist (looking unlikely I will get anything). I am also already living and working in DC, so it would be easier to transition to GWU, but I would work full-time and go to GW part-time.

I am super torn because I just want to pick the right school that will set me up for a strong future. Any thoughts or advice? I appreciate it!

[ExponentialDecay]

srs question, if you're interested in international policy, why did you go with Trachtenberg and not Elliot?

Anyway, both your schools are about as strong as each other and honestly having an international specialization will have little to no impact on whether or not you get an international-focused job. If your concerns are around specializations, I wouldn't worry - they don't matter.

[bliss_135]

I did Trachtenberg because I want to do a MPA. Thank you for your advice!

[bliss_135]

On 4/3/2018 at 7:28 AM, ExponentialDecay said:

srs question, if you're interested in international policy, why did you go with Trachtenberg and not Elliot?

Anyway, both your schools are about as strong as each other and honestly having an international specialization will have little to no impact on whether or not you get an international-focused job. If your concerns are around specializations, I wouldn't worry - they don't matter.

Hi Exponential Delay,

Do you think NYU would be worth it since I just found out I got a grad assistantship with $50K for two years and a $21K stipend (taxed :/)? I know it's the obvious choice since GW didn't give me any money, but if I did the math correctly I would have to still take out a small loan. I believe NYU Wagner is around $100K for two years.

My apprehension is because taking out loans to cover the rest is scary. I also don't think I will be able to reapply next year to other schools and get an offer like this. What would you do in my situation? I appreciate your thoughts since you are very active on here and offer sage advice.

Thanks!

[ExponentialDecay]

2 hours ago, bliss_135 said:

Hi Exponential Delay,

Do you think NYU would be worth it since I just found out I got a grad assistantship with $50K for two years and a $21K stipend (taxed :/)? I know it's the obvious choice since GW didn't give me any money, but if I did the math correctly I would have to still take out a small loan. I believe NYU Wagner is around $100K for two years.

My apprehension is because taking out loans to cover the rest is scary. I also don't think I will be able to reapply next year to other schools and get an offer like this. What would you do in my situation? I appreciate your thoughts since you are very active on here and offer sage advice.

Thanks!

You have 50K per year or cumulatively? 

If your tuition is fully covered and they're giving you a stipend, take it. A small loan is fine.

[bliss_135]

21 minutes ago, ExponentialDecay said:

You have 50K per year or cumulatively? 

If your tuition is fully covered and they're giving you a stipend, take it. A small loan is fine.

It's $50K for two years, so I would need a loan to take out the rest. That would probably be $50k as well. I also save money by living at home. I feel like it's a solid plan, just nervous. Thanks again!