USC SPPD vs. NYU Wagner

[moahb]

I have been accepted to both SPPD at USC and Wagner at NYU. I received about twice as much money from USC as NYU and could live at home thus saving a great deal in rent but I've always wanted to live in New York. I've visited USC for an admitted students day and will visit NYU on April 9. So far the biggest difference I am aware of is that USC has the incredible Trojan Network that is pretty powerful, and has a stronger West Coast presence than NYU does, and I probably want to end up on the west coast. Anyone have any thoughts that might be useful of the pros/cons of either program as I make this decision?

Thanks!

[pea-jay]

Congrats on both admits. If your ultimate intention is to return/stay on the West Coast, staying at USC would be a good idea, especially given tuition assistance and rent savings. Save your money for NYC trips.

As for the program, I can't speak to USC but NYU's is fairly well known. The connections you will get through USC will be invaluable in So Cal, more so than NYUs.

Edited March 29, 2010 by pea-jay

[samdrums11]

On the other hand, I've heard the farther you get from your alma mater, the better. If you're staying in SoCal, or even on the WC, it's better to have a degree from a university that not everyone has graduated from. I'm having the same debate right now: I live in Seattle and it's between UW (no scholarship $, 11k/year) or SIPA at Columbia (20k fellowship, $42k tuition). I know I'm ending up on the West Coast so I think the "zing" of Columbia's name will prove more beneficial than the cheap tuition and connections at UW. A school like NYU also has connections throughout the country, as well as internationally--you should talk to them personally about their network on the WC.

Plus, you really have limited opportunities to live in NY....the city that never sleeps