Free + Stipend at Michigan MIRS or 50% Funding at GWU/American (MA International Affairs)

[luna1874]

Hello! I was offered a full scholarship and generous stipend at the University of Michigan MIRS program. I was offered about 20k of funding at both GWU and American University (about half of total cost). I am pursuing a Masters in International Relations with the end goal of working in policy analysis in the private sector or for the government. 

 

I prefer the location, reputation, and academic coursework of American and GWU more. Michigan also does not have a specific school of International Relations, and I worry my options would be more limited to academia. However, it is hard to give up the fellowship and stipend at Michigan which would allow me to graduate debt-free and survive paying rent. 

 

I would appreciate any advice!