Help! GWU with funding vs. Maxwell

[BoSoxFanatic245]

I'm deciding between GW with 80% of tuition funded plus a $16,000 stipend for 20/hours of work per week during the first year and Maxwell at Syracuse (with no funding). I just visited Maxwell and really liked the program and I wasn't wild about GW but is the deal too good to turn down? Is Maxwell's reputation really so much better than GW's? Any insight would be greatly appreciated! Here's what I'm thinking about the two programs.

Pros of GW:

-financial package!

-location in DC

-opportunities to intern before work experience

-2-year program will most likely be less intense each year compared to 12 months straight through at Maxwell

Pros of Maxwell:

-reputation

-interested in the Social Policy concentration

-can finish program in 12 months

-alumni network in DC

-close knit group of students

-cheap city

Does anyone have an idea of living costs for a year in DC? Maxwell estimated that it would be about $15,000 in Syracuse so does $20,000 for DC seem right?

[gurf]

I'm deciding between GW with 80% of tuition funded plus a $16,000 stipend for 20/hours of work per week during the first year and Maxwell at Syracuse (with no funding). I just visited Maxwell and really liked the program and I wasn't wild about GW but is the deal too good to turn down? Is Maxwell's reputation really so much better than GW's? Any insight would be greatly appreciated! Here's what I'm thinking about the two programs.

Pros of GW:

-financial package!

-location in DC

-opportunities to intern before work experience

-2-year program will most likely be less intense each year compared to 12 months straight through at Maxwell

Pros of Maxwell:

-reputation

-interested in the Social Policy concentration

-can finish program in 12 months

-alumni network in DC

-close knit group of students

-cheap city

Does anyone have an idea of living costs for a year in DC? Maxwell estimated that it would be about $15,000 in Syracuse so does $20,000 for DC seem right?

hey BoSox,

I'm an admitted student for Maxwell (IR) so I've been getting a bunch of e-mails about housing arrangements. It seems that the average cost of housing for one room per month is no more than 450 and was as low as 275 per month. Not sure if this helps much.

Also, I was at another school's admitted student day and two speakers there who are both working in DC at the moment said good things about a few other schools but was clearly against GW's program. They said that the curriculum was "fluffy" and lacked substantive/technical training, based on what their colleagues who are alumni tell them. They said that GW's program was the most overpriced for the product. However, you are getting a great financial package from GW so I would personally go to GW. IF all those things above are true to some degree, they are mitigated by the financial package, if it was me.

hope it helps...

[BoSoxFanatic245]

The most important thing is that I really prefer the Maxwell program. But taking out $47,000 in loans is not easy. Do any current students or prospective students know about internship or job opportunities, research positions, etc. that students do at Maxwell to earn money as a student?

[gurf]

The most important thing is that I really prefer the Maxwell program. But taking out $47,000 in loans is not easy. Do any current students or prospective students know about internship or job opportunities, research positions, etc. that students do at Maxwell to earn money as a student?

I wasn't offered a GA or fellowship, but I've been in touch with admissions and financial aid. From what I've gathered, nothing is guaranteed, but many students secure GA's their SECOND year provided they do well their first year. This doesn't apply to me because I'm only there for the one year degree. Admissions did say that grants were common for students when they do their internships away or study abroad for the semester, but they are typically not large sums (a couple thousand-ish).

I've also spoken with Alums and there were 2 of them who accepted Maxwell with no funding but were able to secure funding once they arrived (doing well their first semester, applying for outside help, etc.).

I would probably contact admissions and let them know that you're interested in GA's and if any come up between now and the time you have to accept, to please let you know. I've already had one forwarded my way by letting admissions know.

If it makes you feel any better, I think I'm about to accept Maxwell with no funding! =) By the way, the size of the loan makes me uncomfortable as well... especially given that I have a cheaper alternative, but the program at Maxwell appeals to me more.

[sypher2k3]

The most important thing is that I really prefer the Maxwell program. But taking out $47,000 in loans is not easy. Do any current students or prospective students know about internship or job opportunities, research positions, etc. that students do at Maxwell to earn money as a student?

You can try asking Maxwell for money to counter the GW offer. It has worked in the past for other schools.

In any case, I had a similar dilemma for Security Studies, between GW with a full ride and Georgetown with a half-ride. The Georgetown program is much, much better for me, and there is a lot more I can do there, so I chose to go with the debt and choose Georgetown. There is not always sense going to a school just for money, if money is the only factor that makes it better than another school, and if you can handle the debt and would be genuinely happier at the more expensive school / more satisfied in the long-run with your education.

You must always choose the school best for you! Sometimes not having debt can be best for you - sometimes not having debt isn't a factor. But do not feel obligated to go to GW over Maxwell just because they gave you money - it's only one factor. If you really, really like Maxwell more than GW, go there. You'll be in debt, but more satisfied with your education.

[BoSoxFanatic245]

I just called GW to let them know that I will be attending. In the end, I decided that the advantages that Maxwell has over GW in reputation, ranking, etc. will be entirely (or almost) eliminated due to several factors:

1) financial package from GW

2) location in DC

3) 2-year program will allow me to intern during summer between first and second year and during second year, which will give me a leg up when looking for a job

[Kreid]

Guess I'll see you there. Are you looking for a roommate?

[BoSoxFanatic245]

Guess I'll see you there. Are you looking for a roommate?

Yes, but I haven't spend any time thinking about it since I just committed. All I know is I want to live in Arlington to cut down on costs. PM me with your e-mail address and we'll talk.