Urban Planning at Hunter vs. Buffalo vs. Albany

[dpileofashes]

I've asked this on another forum and received inconclusive results:

I got into all 3 Masters programs I applied for which is fantastic and now I am really struggling to make a final decision. I think it will all have to come down to money- no aid letters have been received on my end as of yet.

-Hunter- i'd get to stay at home, cheapest tuition, studying planning in nyc would be exceptional

-Buffalo- strong program in international planning (which is what I want to do), research university (pro/con)

-Albany- applied as a safety but the idea of studying in Albany, degree is 48 credits rather than 60 (pro/con)

I am waiting to hear news on scholarships and assistantship opportunities- but in the mean time- Any suggestions?

[slowbro]

I'm not sure why a school's designation as a "research university" should affect your decision since you're going to be in a terminal professional degree program. I took a look at Buffalo's urban and regional planning department site and it offers studio courses and internships just like any other urban planning program.

[Giz]

I was also accepted to Buffalo and Albany (planned on applying to Hunter as a back up), and I AM STUMPED!!!

BUT, I am originally from Brooklyn so I hope my perspective helps! I visited UB's Planning (UBP)program and although their facilities are impressive, I was not taken with the city. It was very reminiscent of Long Island with a very large part of it looking more like Hempstead. Buffalo is a place that has struggled economically and its shows... It was nothing like I have ever experienced, and I have been to a variety of Brooklyn neighborhoods. Although there is a large push to 'improve' the city, it may come at the expense of its less affluent citizens... AND as a football fan, T.O.'s presence is more like an OMEN than a blessing...

Although my focus is not international planning, I am very interested in the studying abroad. UBP's main concept of international research is Toronto and a sustainability program in hills of Costa Rica :?:, anything outside of that you are pretty much on your own. They are very proud of being a 'border town', but I was kinda hoping that my international experience was more than a two hour ride across the border. I have also heard of their research 'fame' and I think it ONLY matters if you see yourself as a professor in 5-10 years. If not, you may get bored behind the books and yearn to 'hit the streets.' I have been trying to get more information about their Graduate student org (their only website is from 2006) and I have received NO RESPONSE from the 3 students I emailed. I won't call any names, but I am disappointed

SO UNTO U ALBANY (which is where I am leaning, can you tell?!?)

Although their program has no international planning concentration, they do encourage students to gain an international understanding in their concentration Their study abroad choices are pretty extensive, and there is even a program with a school in my home country !!! Although their main planning website is under repair, their graduate student organization has a great website with a wealth of information, they even give you info on how to get business cards printed :!: . ALBANY is also in a better location, within 2 hours of major MA, CT, NJ and NY cities, so there will be a better chance of interacting with planning students from different states. For international travel Albany also wins because EWR, LGA and JFK are accessible.

I would honestly suggest HUNTER because their program is in a great location, and as a student you will be in a position to interact with the other NYC planning students. As far as international planning, the diversity in NYC is unmatched and you'll get a true international perspective there, plus most of Hunter's faculty are COLUMBIA grads, so you'll get the IVY education on a budget!!! Also NY is one of the foolish states to have two APA chapters, a NYC chapter and an UPSTATE chapter. There should be very little doubt on which chapter is better for an international planner (quiet as its kept, Upstate NY is NOT diverse.) At Albany, I will attend into a few of the NYC chapter events!!!! And checking out the Giants is a great trade off... If are a proud NYCer like me, trust me, there is NO PLACE LIKE HOME!!! Its is a COMPLETELY different world upstate...

Happy choosing!!!!

[dpileofashes]

thanks so much for your ultra thorough reply!

when applying buffalo was my dream school- their planning program looked amazing! After attempts at contacting students i was forced back to reality- one students response was 'i'd prefer not to discuss the program over school e-mail will you be in Buffalo?" very shady.... although i got a scholarship...it wasn't much at all

Albany was my safety school, i was disappointed in the website and was kind of bummed out to learn i would not be getting any financial aid- i also was unable to get a hold of the adviser listed on my admission sheet...but enjoy it- Albany will be great for state internships and you sold me on the location ha

So I chose hunter, not only will i be saving tons of money by staying with my parents, but the tuition is about $1000 cheaper than albany or buffalo (even with aid...) and being in nyc i will have great access to jobs and internships not only in planning, but also to save up some cash on my own. The international program is extremely strong and i will be interacting with a great cohort-

so long story short, i am excited about my decision and look forward to the fall...maybe catch you at an event in the city!