SAIS VS Kogod (MBA)

[ansac111]

Hi there!

I aspire to work in a DC bound think thank/ research institute. Therefore was mainly looking at IR/ MPP courses. But I applied to an MBA program at Kogod, AU (almost on a whim) as it is located in DC and allows you to combine your MBA degree with electives from SIS.

I now have a decision to make between SAIS (with no funding) and Kogod (with 50 % tuition funding) . Being an international candidate the extent of financial burden really matters to me. I know it is not a comparison of apples to apples but would really appreciate if someone can address my queries below.

1) Would I be really at a disadvantage if I turn down SAIS for an MBA (with electives in IR) in relation to think tank/policy world?

2) Can MBA encroach into the career path for which IR/MPP is more suitable, just like the way JD has done?

Thanks

Ansac