UMD vs Georgetown MPP, all things considered

[Ihavequestions4u]

To whoever has some insight...I’ve read a lot of old posts about DMV graduate programs, but I wonder where some of those people find themselves now. I have to decide by this Friday where I will complete my masters program. I’m very thankful for the options, but man am I stressed about it.

 

UMD offered me a great GA ship position which helps significantly with finances. For both years of the program, it’s very affordable for me & would leave me with no debt.

 

Georgetown had me on their waitlist for almost two months, & then I got in. I had to send additional info for financial aid, & I finally got some, but only $10k for the first year. Given the steep cost of tuition, this isn’t really enough for me right now. This program, on the other hand, would leave me with a lot of debt unless things change this week & I get more aid.
 

I know that GT has the name, prestige, & connections.  I also know UMD is a great school...I’d love to hear from those that attended either program & where they find themselves now. Or those that recruit & what the name means.

 

Is $70-$80k in debt worth it for an MPP from Georgetown?

 

Thank you.

[GradSchoolGrad]

6 hours ago, Ihavequestions4u said:

To whoever has some insight...I’ve read a lot of old posts about DMV graduate programs, but I wonder where some of those people find themselves now. I have to decide by this Friday where I will complete my masters program. I’m very thankful for the options, but man am I stressed about it.

 

UMD offered me a great GA ship position which helps significantly with finances. For both years of the program, it’s very affordable for me & would leave me with no debt.

 

Georgetown had me on their waitlist for almost two months, & then I got in. I had to send additional info for financial aid, & I finally got some, but only $10k for the first year. Given the steep cost of tuition, this isn’t really enough for me right now. This program, on the other hand, would leave me with a lot of debt unless things change this week & I get more aid.
 

I know that GT has the name, prestige, & connections.  I also know UMD is a great school...I’d love to hear from those that attended either program & where they find themselves now. Or those that recruit & what the name means.

 

Is $70-$80k in debt worth it for an MPP from Georgetown?

 

Thank you.

Go to UMD ASAP. McCourt MPP might have the brand but unless you really want to go into consulting at Deloitte and maybe some nice research areas (i.e. Education in Tulsa), there is no real additional benefit in going there. Your career is more determined off of what internship experiences that you have. The Georgetown Alumni at large are pretty powerful and a large group, but honestly, they probably care about McCourt the least since it has much less prestige than the other more prestigious graduate programs. The MPP alumnus in it of itself don't really do much for themselves except maybe for a few niche areas (international. development being one). 

Especially in a recession, that 80K not going into doubt will be awesome. Also.... a lot of people don't manage to get GA positions in McCourt unless you know R or STATA now. The fact that you have a GA position already puts you in a solid position.