Elliot School vs. GSPIA vs. UMD -- Need Help

[TheWoodFamilyBear]

I have been accepted into GW's Elliot School (MA International Affairs), Pittsburgh's GSPIA (MPIA International Security and Intelligence Studies), and UMD's School of Public Policy (MPP Security and Economic Policy). However, I am leaning more towards choosing between the Elliot School and GSPIA. I was offered a generous funding package from GSPIA (full ride plus living stipend), while the Elliot School could not offer me any funding at this time. I am also wait listed for funding at UMD. 

 

Career wise, after completing my Masters Degree, I intend to obtain a PhD in Political Science or Policy Studies to produce research on the International Relations of Asia at a think tank, very very broadly speaking. Ultimately, I want to enter into academia.

 

I plan to major in Security Studies and hope to study the emerging global security threats that are developing in Asia. I was drawn to GW for this exact reason. I liked how flexible its curriculum was, which would allow me to declare two concentrations: security studies with a regional focus on Asia. Not to mention the fact that it would put me at arms reach within various non-profit research centers and the federal agencies. However, I don't know if it would be worth going into so much debt by paying for my education at face value (about 120K?).

 

On the other hand, GSPIA has a great research center for what I would like to study and is giving me a chance to continue my education without going into debt. Plus, I only hear good things about living in Pittsburgh, though I have never been there before. My only reservation is that I can't tell if I would be at a disadvantage while applying for jobs within big think tanks, federal agencies (like the State Department), or even the private sector if I were to choose GSPIA over the Elliot School (if I choose not to pursue PhD studies immediately after obtaining my MA). 

 

I think I would be foolish to go into so much debt, and am honestly really looking forward to attending GSPIA. I just can't tell if I would be getting something out of attending GW that I cannot get at Pitt. At this point, I'm going to assume that I will probably not get funding from UMD, which is why I'm deciding between the other two schools. Just wanted to see if any of you guys have been in this position before, and what you all would do?