One-year funded MPA vs. Two year (mostly) unfunded

[husky4ever]

Hello again everyone. I have another question here. I'm currently a UConn student in Resource Econ and minoring in public policy, while taking MPA classes as an undergrad.

 

I have a decision to make for the next cycle, and I'd appreciate any input. I am deciding between Indiana SPEA and UConn's Dept. PP...

 

1. My minor advisor is the MPA program director. He is willing to let me finish the core while still in undergrad since my major is complete, it's just electives at this point. I could then spend the entire 2014-2015 year finishing their core requirements, as I'm already halfway through, and then graduate from the MPA program in one year. He would recommend me for their IPP program, which is a paid internship program where I'd have a tuition waiver and 11k/yr stipend, then come out with essentially a full year of work experience. They have great success placing IPP graduates afterwards as well. I'd be focusing in public finance with either an additional certificate in survey research or nonprofit management. However, I'm not sure that I want to work in CT and that's, of course, where most of UConn's connections exist since they are a small program. They got ranked #7 in public finance and I've been impressed in their classes, so that's not the problem. I'm also concerned about not branching out more before entering the workforce. Then again, I'd have no debt and work experience and finish early.

 

2. If I choose Indiana, or possibly ASU if I don't get in- however I'm very sure that Indiana would accept me from my conversations with them. They don't offer anyone full aid in the MPA program however, so that they can spread funding across more students. Worst case scenario, I'm 50k in debt plus living/moving expenses to consider. Yet, I'm extremely interested in their curriculum. I'd be able to concentrate in both public finance and energy (or sustainable/international development, still deciding). That would give me more options and their placement, in terms of both location and diversity of fields, is much better for me since I don't know 100% where I'd like to work-- but I'm 99% sure it won't be in CT. I'd be able to graduate early, not worrying about core requirements, in December rather the spring since that would only benefit me if I'm staying at UConn to save money. I'm pretty much in love with IU right now, and I hope that isn't just clouding the better decision. I like the idea of spending two years there.

 

Also, not only is my best friend guilting me about leaving, but my advisor is also doing this. I've had two grad classes with him and asked for a recommendation from him for UConn and Indiana. He basically asked me, why would you ever do that- we're going to accept you, soo...? He agreed to write it though. I'm not sure that he meant to do this, but I felt terrible afterward, like I may be wasting his time as he is trying very hard to put me in the best position at UConn in their department in terms of paid internships, funding, and finishing early.

 

So, I'm considering applying for the spring semester and deferring to the Fall at Indiana- they say there is nothing wrong with that and I'd still be considered for merit and need-based aid. I'd be able to avoid even applying to UConn so that I wouldn't have to deny them after they go through all the effort of setting up an IPP for me, plus funding and reviewing the application. Either way, I feel so selfish. I already know I would have funding at UConn and much less at Indiana- so that's not something I'd need to wait to find out. Am I making a stupid decision by pre-deciding on Indiana? (and if I'm not accepted, then I can apply to Uconn..)

 

What would you all do?

 

EDIT: Note that IU is much more affordable than most good programs- 25k/yr total cost before merit aid

Edited January 30, 2014 by husky4ever

[Howie]

UConn seems like a dream situation. You may not want to live in Connecticut long term but you may decide that about Indiana as well. You should stay at UConn.

Edited January 30, 2014 by Howie