Choosing an MPP program

[BostonGirl]

Hi! I am still waiting to hear from a few programs (Harvard and UWashington - Seattle) but could use some help assessing my current options. I have been admitted to the MPP programs at American (full ride), Georgetown GPPI (no word on funding yet, should come this week), and Brandeis Heller School ($40k/2 years). I am interested in social policy/poverty studies with strong quantitative training. Full ride at American sounds very appealing, but I am not necessarily sure I want to stay in D.C. after graduation and am unsure of recruitment/opportunities elsewhere with a degree from AU. Any opinions on caliber of program, opportunities to interact and work with faculty, and overall experience would be much appreciated!

Thanks,

Anya

[dino88]

If you are in the policy field, DC is a great place to be. A large portion of MPP grads end up working in DC.

[Snowden12]

Echoing what he said, you can't beat DC's connections. American might not have the name recognition of SAIS or Gtown but they have a top 20 program nonetheless. If you're getting a full ride to a DC school, you're not gonna top that unless you have equal funding elsewhere. And even then, very few programs are going to be seen as heads and shoulders better than a DC education. Take the money, get a great education and as for where you live after graduation...thats on you anyway.