Help: Columbia SIPA MPA-ESP acceptance deadline is before decisions from other programs

[hammyc]

I got accepted into the MPA in Environmental Science and Policy at Columbia SIPA. And the deadline for me to accept admission is 22 February. I am pretty concerned because this would be before the decisions for the other programs I applied to are release. It's important for me to wait to see where else I got in and what kind of funding I will receive elsewhere.  

Does anyone have any advice for me? Should I request for the admissions office to delay my deadline until mid-March?

Also, if anyone can share insights into the MPA-ESP program, that would be great. Is it worth the money, and what's the best way to get more funding? I got offered $15k, which means I'd still have to cough up $70k myself.