Funding

[stucktomyshoe]

Is there a general expectation for how much of your tuition should be covered in an MPP program? It seems like maybe people have had offers to have half through all of their tuition covered--I've gotten something like 30-40% so far. Is it better to wait until next year to get more funding (and boost my application), or should I just take what I can get?

[ugachaca]

Is there a general expectation for how much of your tuition should be covered in an MPP program? It seems like maybe people have had offers to have half through all of their tuition covered--I've gotten something like 30-40% so far. Is it better to wait until next year to get more funding (and boost my application), or should I just take what I can get?

I'd have to say there's no general rule on funding; it depends on the schools to which you are applying and the relative strength of your application. This is an especially tough year to be applying to MPP/MPA programs, but whose to say it will be easier next year or that one more year will make all the difference? See how your other apps shake out--UMich usually is pretty good with funding, and you mentioned that you applied there. Bottom line: if you're only a year or two out of undergrad another year may help you out, but otherwise i'd say take what you can get this year.