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Posted

I just found out that the average private sector salary coming out of SAIS is 63K... considering the program costs roughly 100K in tuition and expenses, which is comparable to the cost of an MBA, is the MA really a good value?

Posted

I just found out that the average private sector salary coming out of SAIS is 63K... considering the program costs roughly 100K in tuition and expenses, which is comparable to the cost of an MBA, is the MA really a good value?

Eh, I'd say no if you just look at the bottom line. People getting into SAIS and similar schools can probably make a lot more going to an MBA or law school.

But that's not the point, these are completely different skills and prepare for different types of jobs. You should only be going to a place like SAIS if it fits in with your career: i.e. you want to work for the government, NGO, multilateral, or private sector relating to some specific IR areas. An IR MA teaches you how to analyze across cultural boundaries, work in a different languages and make informed decisions. The MBA is a focus more on administration, business and project management skills.

Posted

Eh, I'd say no if you just look at the bottom line. People getting into SAIS and similar schools can probably make a lot more going to an MBA or law school.

But that's not the point, these are completely different skills and prepare for different types of jobs. You should only be going to a place like SAIS if it fits in with your career: i.e. you want to work for the government, NGO, multilateral, or private sector relating to some specific IR areas. An IR MA teaches you how to analyze across cultural boundaries, work in a different languages and make informed decisions. The MBA is a focus more on administration, business and project management skills.

Accepted!! Really hoping that I get some financial aid though I doubt it... I'm still debating whether I should get an MA in IR or an MPP... decisions decisions!

Posted

Congrats all!

I was accepted to SAIS-Bologna earlier this week…and am not sure whether its a serious year or a relaxed SAIS experience? The time and classes sound amazing (IR/Middle East Studies).

Any suggestions?

Also, I am deciding (as I wait for G-Town and GW and SAIS funding!) btwn Fletcher and SAIS? Is Fletcher more Development oriented and SAIS more eco? Please shed some light on the situation! Thanks!

Posted

Congrats! Did you apply to DC or directly to the Bologna Center as a non-US student? I get the impression from friends that went to Bologna that it's not relaxed insomuch as it is an academic and social experience that puts emphasis on different things than the DC program. I for one would find it hard to pass up a year in Bologna.

Congrats all!

I was accepted to SAIS-Bologna earlier this week…and am not sure whether its a serious year or a relaxed SAIS experience? The time and classes sound amazing (IR/Middle East Studies).

Any suggestions?

Also, I am deciding (as I wait for G-Town and GW and SAIS funding!) btwn Fletcher and SAIS? Is Fletcher more Development oriented and SAIS more eco? Please shed some light on the situation! Thanks!

Posted

econister,

Did the mail have a link to the application site ? Or was the fin aid info within the mail itself ?

The email linked to the financial aid site.

Posted

I'm with you econister, I got a fellowship for 10K but their tuition is really steep. Berkeley (GSPP, MPP program) gave me the same but it's sooooo much cheaper in comparison because it's not a private school...

Posted

to LeeLeeLove: oof I'm sorry that sucks, especially cuz they make it sound like you get aid and then they just tell you about loans :( They did that for me too so initially I thought I had 30K from them... booo loans!

to ksaroya: they will send you an email with the decision and you have to log into a different website with an ID that they provide for you- I'm sure you'll hear back soon!

Posted

In but at the Bologna campus. Don't think this is an option for me=(

Do you know if we can change our campus? I was also admitted to Bologna, but it isn't an option for me...

Posted

Thanks runnin, are you folks US-residents? I'm an international student (if you consider Canadian international). That might explain the holdup.

Posted

Ouch! Just got my financial aid information, and no money for me! Just $20K in loans. This hurts.

Same here - 20k in loans. I thought I'd received a scholarship and got all excited until I clicked on the other tab. Oh well. So let's rehash the debate: Is SAIS worth the 60k a year? What does everyone think?

Posted

Same here - 20k in loans. I thought I'd received a scholarship and got all excited until I clicked on the other tab. Oh well. So let's rehash the debate: Is SAIS worth the 60k a year? What does everyone think?

Technically speaking, an investment is worthwhile if it produces an income stream exceeding the interest rate. Of course, no one wants to spend the rest of their lives paying off a loan.

** Bonus points for calculating the opportunity cost of quitting your job and returning to school.

Posted

Ooooooh no. I fell for it too.

I got $15k in grants and about $20k in loans. Yikes. That's just not right!

Posted

I'm beginning to beat a dead horse here...but is anyone a direct Bologna applicant or is everyone an applicant to DC but with other campus preferences... Thanks. :D

Do you know if we can change our campus? I was also admitted to Bologna, but it isn't an option for me...

Posted

I'm beginning to beat a dead horse here...but is anyone a direct Bologna applicant or is everyone an applicant to DC but with other campus preferences... Thanks. :D

I was not a direct Bologna applicant, I (foolishly) checked the "consider me for both the DC and Bologna campuses" box.

Posted

DC for me~ I probably should have debated the Italy option more.

So does anyone know much about the DC campus? It's a little sad that it's not really a "campus" really... just a building here and there. Anyone else sad about this? mellow.gif

Posted

DC for me~ I probably should have debated the Italy option more.

So does anyone know much about the DC campus? It's a little sad that it's not really a "campus" really... just a building here and there. Anyone else sad about this? mellow.gif

Yeah, it is kindof unfortunate that there isn't a real campus, but SAIS' location within DC cannot be beat. Dupont Circle area is probably my favorite part of the city, and while it's still exorbitantly expensive, you can find places to live within walking distance (whereas at Georgetown, its prohibitively expensive AND there's no Metro access which means you are kidof cutoff from the rest of the city).

In terms of location I definitely prefer SAIS over Gtown and American, but I'm with you on the lack of campus (the edge there definitely goes to Gtown).

Posted

Yeah, it is kindof unfortunate that there isn't a real campus, but SAIS' location within DC cannot be beat. Dupont Circle area is probably my favorite part of the city, and while it's still exorbitantly expensive, you can find places to live within walking distance (whereas at Georgetown, its prohibitively expensive AND there's no Metro access which means you are kidof cutoff from the rest of the city).

In terms of location I definitely prefer SAIS over Gtown and American, but I'm with you on the lack of campus (the edge there definitely goes to Gtown).

Ya I definitely agree with you about Dupont Circle- it's a great area and there's always something amusing happening by the fountain there. I really just wish there was more of a campus at SAIS- I'm sure they do a lot of activities to make everyone feel like they are a part of one but still sad~ oh well! I am not expecting Gtown to accept me so it'll be between Berkeley (MPP) vs. SAIS most likely- I really hope SAIS gives more money to everyone for year 2! haha

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