Georgetown vs. Fully-Funded GSPIA

[giants24601]

Hey guys! I posted yesterday and nobody answered haha, but hopefully someone will help me out now.

 

I found out about 12 hours ago that Pitt's GSPIA, where I applied for a Security/Intel MA, wants to give me a full ride, and also wants to give me $12,000 in research stipends per year. This is obviously a lot of money. However, I also got into Georgetown's SSP, which is significantly more highly ranked than GSPIA, and SSP gave me a half-tuition scholarship. Additionally, I'm already situated in DC, I already have my living arrangements sorted out, I have a great internship with an alphabet-soup agency in DC that I've had for a year now...on the other hand, that agency has an office in Pittsburgh, and that's a LOT of money to leave on the table.

 

Anyone here have some advice for me? This is a super-tough decision to make.

 

Thanks!

 

[MissRachel]

I'd personally go with Georgetown because of the ranking and the internship/networking opportunities. If you're in DC, you'll have plenty of opportunities to do both  PLUS additional opportunities for scholarships for your second year.  I know some students in SSP and they love the program -  they have access to top intellectuals and practitioners in the field and there are so many security-related lectures and events in DC.