Help! SIPA vs GPPI vs Brown vs Sciences Po

[chocotaco86]

I am having a very hard time deciding where to go, and I am unclear as to how competitive/prestigious each of these programs are, both in laymen's terms and program-wise, and how they would set me up in terms of jobs.

Columbia SIPA (MPA): Accepted, no funding for the first year ("most students receive some aid in their second year..."). Advantages: the Columbia name, a large and respected network of alums, partnerships abroad, etc. Disadvantages: the price tag! And the program seems more bureaucratic with a "you're on your own" sense.

Georgetown Public Policy Institute (MPP): Accepted with $20,000 scholarship per year ($40,000 total!) Pros: Georgetown name, respected and rigorous program, quantitative focus, job and internship prospects in D.C. where the action is, and the FUNDING. Cons: Is D.C. just full of brown-nosing poly-sci types? That's probably an unfair assessment, but several people have told me that in the past few days. And is it not as impressive as a Columbia degree? I know i'm being a snob but it's not technically an "ivy"...

Brown Taubman (MPA): Accepted with $25,000 scholarship annually ($50,000!!!) Pros: The amazing scholarship! It's an Ivy! Small program with a more nurturing feel and more individualized attention. And I have always loved the idea of Brown since I was little. Cons: The program is not ranked very highly. How much stock should I take in that? Fewer alums since the program is so new. And Providence is not exactly a mecca for policy-type jobs.

Sciences Po (MPA): Accepted, still waiting on funding but not counting on it. Pros: It would be a dream to go to Paris. The program is very competitive and well-respected in France and among the top 3 in Europe. And I could potentially do the dual degree and study at Columbia or the London School of Economics during the second year. Cons: A lot of people in the U.S. have never heard of it. I may not get funding (although the sticker price is about $10,000 less than Columbia). And I worry about how it might be harder to find a job either in Europe as a non-EU citizen or in the U.S. as someone moving back (without the recognition from employers in the U.S. as oppsed to Georgetown or Brown).

I am thinking that it would be crazy to say no to such generous scholarship offers. Is Georgetown that much better than Brown? (Even though most people are impressed by the Brown name, I know that it doesn't have the history or clout in terms of MPA/MPP programs like Georgetown or SIPA...but I also don't know if certain employers in the non-profit or NGO fields would care that much as to GPPI vs Brown)

And not to complicate things further but... is it worth it to go to HKS if I get off the waitlist?

I don't know why I'm freaking out so much... I understand that this is a very good problem to have and I am very grateful! But the whole decision process seems even more stressful than the application process!

[cannotdecide]

I would love to hear what people have to say on this regard...

I am facing a similar situation. I would love to go to SIPA, but not funding, and thinking seriously about CIPA, which is a growing, rising program, and which has given me 70%! Both are Ivy names, but SIPA obviously ranked higher and in a better position location-wise, but the 100k loan/debt is freaking me out. Thinking that if I work hard enough, I can potentially get a similar job and opportunities from CIPA with less loan intake.