How important is it to be in DC?

[rose1]

My grad school decision is coming down to this question - is the advantage of being in DC over Boston for an IR Masters worth $30,000?

Fletcher's job placement record is excellent, which implies that it isn't necessarily all that important, and it's easily $30,000 cheaper than my DC alternatives. On the other hand, would I be doing myself a huge disservice in taking out all the loans, packing up my family (okay, boyfriend and dog) and moving to Boston specifically for aprofessional development program when I have the option of doing the same thing in the undisputed headquarters of my field? It wouldn't exactly suck to graduate from Georgetown with an MSFS degree.

[JAubrey]

I think the first question is, what are your post-master's goals?

Is MSFS $30k better than Fletcher? If you are going private sector, I would say yes. If you plan on going into government than I would say it depends... Does your boyfriend have work in DC already? Where do you want to end up workwise?

[rose1]

I want to do M&E work, so definitely public/non-profit. Boyfriend is graduating with his Masters in August so he will have to find a job either way.