Is Harvard worth the money?

[kac624]

Hello all,

 

I lucked out with my grad school apps and got accepted into all the schools I applied to, so now it's time for decisions. I going for a terminal M.A. in Middle East studies, hoping to work in government. I'm struggling between my top three: Harvard, NYU and Georgetown (which is an awesome decision to have to make, but still a tough one).

 

The big caveat is funding. I applied for FLAS funding at all three of these schools, but only NYU has offered anything: a full ride with a stipend. There is a chance I could get the same offer at both Harvard and GT, but I won't know until early May—a few weeks AFTER the reply deadline for accepting admission (mid-April). 

 

In an ideal situation, Harvard would certainly be my first choice, followed by GT because of it's location in DC and it's professional orientation. NYU would be third. It's a great program, but I think a bit more academically-oriented, and I'm not sure living in New York would afford me the same opportunities as DC (or the status of holding a degree from Harvard).

 

So what do you guys think? Are Harvard/GT that much better than NYU that it's worth taking the risk of zero funding and acquiring some serious debt (in the ballpark of $100,000)?

 

Any input is appreciated!

[TheGirlWhoLived]

I would say it's definitely not worth the debt. I imagine if you applied, NYU is still a good fit and it's name still carries prestige even if it's not an Ivy League. Anyway, my opinion would be always go where the funding is. 

[actuallyatree]

I agree with TheGirlWhoLived. If your choice was between Harvard and a school no one had heard of somewhere in rural Arkansas, I would say Harvard is potentially worth the debt, but NYU is a big, well regarded school in one of two Alpha++ cities on earth, and they've offered you a full ride, which is sweet. I don't think being in New York is going to hurt your career prospects at all. I can't really think of a situation where being in New York could ever hurt your career potential in most fields. There are lots of government agencies, NGOs and private companies in New York, and you would be well placed to get a job with one of them upon completion. Given that Harvard and GT haven't given you information on funding by now, I would hazard a guess that even if they do give you money, it won't cover the costs of both the program and living in Boston or Washington.

[m-ttl]

I agree with TheGirlWhoLived. If your choice was between Harvard and a school no one had heard of somewhere in rural Arkansas, I would say Harvard is potentially worth the debt, but NYU is a big, well regarded school in one of two Alpha++ cities on earth, and they've offered you a full ride, which is sweet. I don't think being in New York is going to hurt your career prospects at all. I can't really think of a situation where being in New York could ever hurt your career potential in most fields. There are lots of government agencies, NGOs and private companies in New York, and you would be well placed to get a job with one of them upon completion. Given that Harvard and GT haven't given you information on funding by now, I would hazard a guess that even if they do give you money, it won't cover the costs of both the program and living in Boston or Washington.

 

Not to mention the United Nations is right there. I don't see how it's a downgrade, in that respect. 

[skyentist]

NObody should have to pay $100,000 for any graduate school... that is ridiculous! I would go with the for sure money. Not worth the debt. It is more about what you do, not where you do it.

[kcyc]

Maybe see if a government agency that needs Middle Eastern speakers/experts will pay for your school, if you're okay working for them.

[kac624]

Thanks for the responses everyone! Just one point of clarification: if I did receive funding at Harvard/GT, it would be full tuition with a stipend (that's the deal with FLAS, and usually they release decisions earlier, but this year they must wait to ensure the grant is renewed from the DoE).

 

I think I agree with most of you; it really seems to be the sensible option to go where the funding is. There is still, however, this nagging feeling that tells me turning down Harvard is a mistake. But that feeling may very well be rooted in pride. The thought of being able to say, "I went to Harvard," sure is appealing, but maybe not worth such big costs in the real world.