SIS or Marquette? Advice Urgently Needed!

[Rach8340]

Hello everyone! I'm in the midst of a critical decision, one I'm sure many of you have faced, and I would appreciate any insight or thoughts. I was recently admitted to SIS at American (Intl Politics) from the waitlist, wonderful, but I have only until this Thursday to make the decision. Until now I was seriously considering Marquette University's Intl Affairs program. For anyone unfamiliar with MU, it's located in Milwaukee, WI, admits a small incoming class of approx. 15 and does not grant PhD's. Cost is on MU's side (25k/2yrs) vs. American (50k/2yrs), but the latter has the prime location for studying anything related to IR. It's tricky because cost and location are both huge factors (no financial aid minus federal grants) but I'm not sure which should outweigh the other. Help please!

[s33]

Hello everyone! I'm in the midst of a critical decision, one I'm sure many of you have faced, and I would appreciate any insight or thoughts. I was recently admitted to SIS at American (Intl Politics) from the waitlist, wonderful, but I have only until this Thursday to make the decision. Until now I was seriously considering Marquette University's Intl Affairs program. For anyone unfamiliar with MU, it's located in Milwaukee, WI, admits a small incoming class of approx. 15 and does not grant PhD's. Cost is on MU's side (25k/2yrs) vs. American (50k/2yrs), but the latter has the prime location for studying anything related to IR. It's tricky because cost and location are both huge factors (no financial aid minus federal grants) but I'm not sure which should outweigh the other. Help please!

Do you have a strong desire to work in D.C, or for an international organization? If yes to either, the additional debt MIGHT be worth it, insofar as American undoubtedly has a more extensive network in such circles. The difference in cost is not so great as to disqualify American, imo (although, as a general rule, it is a good idea to limit one's debt as much as possible).

[Rach8340]

Do you have a strong desire to work in D.C, or for an international organization? If yes to either, the additional debt MIGHT be worth it, insofar as American undoubtedly has a more extensive network in such circles. The difference in cost is not so great as to disqualify American, imo (although, as a general rule, it is a good idea to limit one's debt as much as possible).

I would actually like to work in D.C. and at some point, an international organization, making American appear to be the better choice. I agree that the additional debt will be worth it, I don't think that Marquette can really compare to the opportunities that AU offers. But good point about limiting debt, let the search for scholarships begin! Thanks so much for your thoughts!