American SIS (no $) vs. Pitt GSPIA ($$)

[irishpg10]

So I was all but prepared to sign the dotted line at American (and was pretty content no less) when out of the blue I get an email from Pitt GSPIA offering me a pretty substantial scholarship to attend there (with the option of renewing it with a GPA over 3.5 my first year) Now I'm very torn. I love the possibility of studying in D.C. at SIS, where I can intern at the same time and really build a network, but I will no doubt graduate with upwards of 50k in debt. At Pitt, on the other hand, I won't have the same networking opportunities, but will graduate with more freedom because I will have have barely any debt obligations. So what to do? It seems like people don't have much to say about Pitt GSPIA around here. Is it a pretty respectable program, and what are the job prospects for their grads? I will most likely be focusing on security studies at both programs, if that helps.

[HisRoyalHighness]

Pitt - why would you graduate $50,000+ in debt when you could attend a program as well regarded as American, just because it's in DC? I believe Pitt maintains a program in DC where you can 'build a network."

[firefly85]

Well I'm not familiar with Pitt's program, but having that scholarship does make it sound like a good option. To help you make a decision maybe you should check out it's alumni network and see where they are located. If it's DC then you would still have a good network there. You should also see what the job placement stats for Pitt's program are. In addition, would you be able to do summer/break internships in DC? If so that helps to negate Pitt's location. Sorry I'm not able to offer more of a comparison of programs, but those are just some things you could think about.

[escincau]

I'd lean towards AU. Do well your first year and compete for second year funding. Plus, more than a few students this year who were offered funding may turn it down to attend other institutions. Talk to the office to see if you can be considered for that return funding.

AU is a solid program that can offer you pretty good possibilities in the beltway. I would only do Pitt if you had entry level experience, or have strong connections, or are willing to go that extra mile to put yourself out there. You will enter that job market competing against SAIS, Elliott, MSFS and AU kids who are interning throughout the year.

Its a tough decision-I'm dealing with a slightly similar situation at the moment as well.

Good Luck

[jly]

What program at Pitt and AU? I am in the same boat as you for the most part... except still waiting on a funding thing from Pitt... plus I am from PA which makes it even cheaper.

Personally I am leaning towards Pitt for security studies.

[irishpg10]

jly: I'd do the International Politics program at AU and most likely the Security and Intelligence studies program at GSPIA. May I ask why you're leaning towards Pitt, other than the money?

escincau: I'm not so sure second year funding is readily available at AU, unless you know something I don't (?) A paid internship is certainly a viable option, but I hear those are tough to find and I'd hate to pass up a great internship just because it doesn't pay. Also, is your characterization about the competition for jobs in the DC market based on your own experiences, and is Pitt really at a sizeable disadvantage in that regard?

firefly85: those are good points to ponder. Pitt does have a DC center, and I just learned that anyone at GSPIA can study there for a semester if they choose to. If it weren't for that fact this may not even be a debate.

hisroyalhighness: You sound like the rational side of my brain, which is saying take the money and the peace of mind and be grateful. Nonetheless, I'm still finding myself drawn to AU. Also, you say that Pitt is just as regarded as AU, yet I rarely do I see this mentioned by anyone else. In other words, I'd feel better if I heard some more positive feedback on the program.

Thank you all for your input!

[jly]

Yeah we are looking at the exact same programs... I think I am leaning toward Pitt also since its a pure security studies program and the courses just look more interesting to me in that regard. Are you going to the admitted students day on Friday?

[s800x]

Exactly the same two programs as you guys. Any idea on when Pitt are going to accounce funding?!!

[stilesg57]

No idea, but I'm anxiously waiting on Pitt funding as well. It will have to be very substantial to put it in the running for me though. I'm interested in the Global Political Economy track.