MPP decision

[D Michaels]

I'm currently debating between 4 schools for an MPP degree, and I was looking for some feedback.  I'm debating between the University of Michigan Ford School, Carnegie Mellon Heinz College, Duke Sanford School of Public Policy and the University of Minnesota Humphrey School.

 

Minnesota is offering a free ride, Duke is offering 14k a year, Carnegie Mellon is offering 20k a year and Michigan is offering nothing but I live in-state.  Other considerations are that I went to Michigan as an undergrad and I got into the DC track program at Carnegie Mellon, which seems to be quite intense. 

 

I would appreciate input from the forum to aid my decision.  The free ride from Minnesota is hard to turn down, but Duke, Mellon and Michigan are higher rated. 

[cunninlynguist]

What's your area of interest (e.g. specialization)? Is the Minnesota free ride tuition-only -- would you have to pay living expenses?

[D Michaels]

My area of interest is global policy, actually.  I would have to pay living expenses in Minnesota, but that shouldn't be too bad.

[MPPgal]

Definetly Duke and as a second choice Michigan!

[D Michaels]

Why Duke over the others?  Also, is Duke worth 60k more than Minnesota or 20k more than Michigan?  What are the best ways to make money with an MPP upon graduating?  I intend to start a family after graduating, so it's important to me.

[cunninlynguist]

For global policy (and in general), Sanford is the strongest program. However, you are very reasonable to grapple with the costs compared to the other programs. Do you have any debt from undergrad?

 

The "best" way to make money with a policy degree is the private sector, but you won't be eligible for the federal loan repayment options such as PSLF. Global policy is scattered through many employers, though, so you could end up at a non-profit or the government. Still, no matter what your employment options might be, the least amount of debt is always preferable. I'd probably take Minnesota's offer solely because of the magnitude of the money difference. If not, go for Duke as the best school.

[D Michaels]

If I take Minnesota over Duke, do you think my career outcomes would overall be negatively effected?  That's what I'm most worried about.  I tend to excel at whatever I do when I put my mind to it.  
Also, for federal government jobs, I have trouble getting security clearances because I spent nearly 8 years in Asia and have way too many Chinese contacts, which makes obtaining clearance a pain.