Chicago MPP vs NYU MPA

[wangchacha]

Hey fellows on Gradcafe,

 

I got admission from Chicago Harris School, MPP and NYU Wagner School, MPA. It's kinda tough choice for me so I wanna seek advice from you which one will be a fit for me and my career goal.

 

I'd introduce myself a bit as below:

• Undergraduate major: Finance, minor: English Language.
• 2.5 years work experience in youth-run NPO, 1 year internship experience in investment bank.
• Career goal is to work in International Development sector such as International Development Association, a sub-organization of World Bank or Rockefeller Foundation. 

From my understanding and research:

• Chicago: 1 better academic reputation; 2 a heavy focus on quantitative analysis and theoretical studies; 3 flexible curriculum(can choose courses in all graduate schools in Uni of Chicago); 4 but focus mainly on domestic policy analysis
• NYU: 1 better location brings more opportunities to work in International Development sector; 2 NYU Wagner focuses more on practice than theoretical studies and encourages students to find internship; 3 NYU Wagner has "International Concentration" to specifically prepare student to work in ID sector

Which school would be of more help for me to achieve my career goal? Thanks a lot in advance for your advice and help!

[PParker]

Which one gave you money?

[terrapin]

From what I know, Chicago is the better school and the better program. But yes, I'd say cost/funding should play a significant role in just about anyone's decision.

[PParker]

I just want to comment on the comment about UC being better than NYU. I don't think there is that much of a gap between the schools, if you want to work in Chicago, to there, if you want NY, especially if you want to work for organizations like the Rockefeller Foundation (as do I btw), then NYU is a no brainer. BUT, again it comes down to cost, both will probably get you to where you want to go. Just an FYI, apartments in NY are EXPENSIVE, I am currently looking now, and from what I see I am looking at rent of 1800 to 2k even in surrounding areas, I will share the costs with SO, but that's still 1k a month!

[chocolatecheesecake]

I'd like to echo everyone on money, but IMHO, NYU has the edge over Chicago on international development. Chicago is starting to make a bit of a name for itself in terms of engaging in overseas development, but if you want your pick of NGOs, non-profits, think tanks, consultancies, and other organizations who work with the international audience, you should be in New York. I also do not discount the importance of being surrounded by people who are all working in the same sector and having that community or environment. Chicago is a regional and nationally oriented city, not quite international yet.