Program vs. Cost

[Denisse]

I’ve recently been accepted to NYU-Wagner, American SIS, Elliott, SAIS, and Fordham IPED. I’m waiting on SIPA, but I’m assuming even if I get in I won’t get funding given its reputation for first years.

 

However, with no funding at either school, so for the first year (at least) I will be entirely reliant on loans, work-study, my savings, and any outside work I do. I have enough saved for living expenses for the first year in either D.C. or NYU as well as an outside grant of $4,000. I’ve always been the super-busy, Type A sort, and plan on doing work study in my first semester if it’s option with plenty of hours. I only have a small amount of undergrad loans left to pay off so I’m not worried about accumulating on top of it. I also don’t have any dependents and don’t plan on starting a family, etc. for a while. I have an undergrad degree in business from a good school, so I’m also thinking I would likely try to work a private sector job for a couple of years to pay as much as possible before moving into the non-profit/development jobs I’d like more. All in all, I’m okay with taking out the loans, but I wanted some advice.

 

First, do any of these schools offer the ability to get funded in the 2^nd year? Aside from SIPA, I haven’t found any information for the other schools.

 

Second, if I’m going to go into debt which program is worth it?! They all have what I want to study, good locations, good placement + salaries post grad school.

 

I’ve pretty much ruled out American SIS and Fordham IPED. I’ve almost ruled out Elliott, but the idea of being able to work while in school sounds great to me! It would severely cut down on the amount of loans I’d have to take and I’d have some time to find a good job beforehand and I have several connections in D.C. However, I’ve been leaning toward NYC for some time now due to the following reasons.

 

I have a big support system in NYC. My closest friends and boyfriend are all there. My entire family is in Boston and it’s close enough to visit on weekends if I want to without much cost. I’ve always done best when I have my support system and worse when I don’t (for example, my closest friends and boyfriend just moved to NYC throughout the last year or so, so it’s been a tough time). I worry about being farther from them (even if it’s just a few more hours).

 

Thoughts? I pretty much think SAIS, NYU Wagner, SIPA are on par for me in terms of studies and fit, as I like all of their programs quite well and have found that I could basically take the same type of courses if I map it out right.

[Denisse]

Anyone? You all seem to have a lot of insight onto these schools!

[biscuits]

I'm not an expert on these schools, as I'm interested in domestic policy rather than IR. That being said, you sound like you've put a lot of thought into the decision. I would recommend visiting if at all feasible. Fit is a major factor in academic happiness - and if you're going to take out a lot of loans, you darn well should be pleased with the program.