GPPI, HKS or SIPA??

[kateglynn]

I'm actually in Cambridge right now, to attend the HKS open house tomorrow morning. That being said, I actually haven't decided where to go yet: HKS, SIPA or GPPI. Here are the pros and cons:

Harvard PROS: Name recognition (domestically and overseas, and inside and out of "public policy" circles), alumni network

Harvard CONS: $120K in debt...

SIPA PROS: International slant, "conflict resolution" track, MUCH less expensive ($20K fellowship, plus high maximum funding from Post 9-11 GI Bill)

SIPA CONS: Slightly less name recognition? High cost of living in NY

GPPI PROS: Inside track to Beltway jobs, close to husband's reserve duty (which means he will be home, not away, during his "weekend a month.")

GPPI CONS: Even less name recognition? Still about $120K in debt.

My feeling right now is that if I'm going to be in debt anyway, it should be for Harvard. But am I a fool to turn down SIPA? Is GPPI a strong enough program to be compared to HKS/SIPA?? SIPA and GPPI are both ranked #9, but my purely anecdotal sense is that "I got into SIPA" garners a lot more "Good for you!"s than mentioning GPPI. Any thoughts??

[jduds]

I'd follow the money.

The drop off in name recognition between Columbia and KSG in policy circles is likely negligible. And likely not worth $20k, and if the money is renewable, not worth $40k.

And while NY is expensive, you have a lot of great internship opportunities.

And if you don't want money to be part of your decision. Go to the place that gives you the best opportunity/preparation for your future career.

Also, according to these rankings Columbia is #5.

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms. ... 685&page=1

Take from that what you will.

[washdc]

If either way you end up 120K in debt, I'd go with HKS. If high cost of living in NYC is still cheaper than 120K debt- I'd go with SIPA. Because..... for instance, I have a friend who has a studio on the upper east side ($$expensive area of NYC) and he pays 2K a month, so even if you're in a more expensive part of NYC- paying 2K, it only = 48K after two years, add that on to what you have to pay for SIPA and if it's cheaper than -120K that seems to be the better route financially.

You can always live in other parts of town, such as Brooklyn, accessible by metro- and much cheaper. I have two friends living in a brooklyn apt. really cute 2 bedroom and they pay 2K a month. So, a one bedroom or studio apt in Brooklyn would be much cheaper. Only downside is Columbia and Brooklyn are quite aways from one another so the commute might be a little on the longer side.. you could always try Harlem for apts too.