SAIS MAIR or Brown MPA?! (Pls help!)

[hopefulbutnotreally]

Hi folks!

I know these are pretty different programs - but both would work okay with my career goals, please help out.

I was pretty sure I was going to attend SAIS until this morning. I got a 50% tuition for first year, but no aid for second year. Apparently, I could apply for second year aid at the end of first year & depending on my grades - they would try to match my first year amount, but no guarantees. Assuming that I do get my aid renewed, the direct costs for tuition for two years would be around $55,000. If my aid is renewed or less than what it was, we are looking at anywhere between ($60-$85k)

Brown came back this morning offering me $40k and now my cost would be $40k for total program. It is appealing because I do like the program structure and also it’s one year. 

My background is in non-profit program management & I am hoping to move into Policy Analysis roles. I also want to keep the options for Private Sector open. I know SAIS has a stronger brand recognition, and especially for the Private Sector, it has some solid track record, whereas Brown’s program is fairly new and I don’t know as much about its success as SAIS. 

But, I am confused about the ROI at this point. The cost of living in DC is high and to do it for two years as compared to RI for one year. The difference would make the total costs difference slightly significant for me, particularly since I am an international student. I am wondering if it makes sense to absolutely choose SAIS over Brown for the program and brand strength? Please help! The deadline to enroll is in two days!! 🫣