Policy/planning: UIC, NYU, CMU ?

[odandrew4]

Hi all,

So, I'm trying to decide between public policy and planning programs. I'm interested in community revitalization and (domestic) regional economic development.

I've been offered a full-tuition scholarship + graduate stipend to University of Illinois at Chicago to study planning, $10k a semester (a little over half tuition) to Carnegie Mellon - Heinz to study policy, and $8k a semester (a little less than half) to NYU Wagner to study planning.

My concern is - UIC is the least amount of debt, but not a big-name school (though ranked in planning). NYU is well-regarded, but borrowing for tuition plus borrowing to live in New York seems insane. (Disclosure: my significant other is going to NYU on a full ride this fall, which does sway me toward NYU.) CMU seems to hit the sweet spot between a big name program and a manageable amount of debt.

Also, I was accepted into a joint J.D./M.S. program between CMU and Pitt - I'm still trying to decide if it's worth the money for what I want to do, but it's a possibility if I stay here.

What do you guys think I should do?

accepted: CMU, NYU, UIC, Columbia GSAPP, Pitt GSPIA

[teaganc]

Personally, I think the CMU-Pitt joint program is really cool, so that would be my option. However, I understand wanting to be near a S/O, and with the two of you sharing an apartment in NYU, your total living expenses will probably be cheaper (if you two already pool your income/bills). And while Chicago to NYC is definitely a plane-trip, you could potentially take a train or drive from Pittsburgh to NYC (or to an area in between), so your S/O could sublet their apartment over breaks (thus saving money) and live with you in Pittsburgh without worrying about excessive airfare.

[rising_star]

I've heard good things about UIC for planning, plus you wouldn't have to go into debt. You'd be able to afford the $150-200 r/t to fly to NYC sometimes to see your SO. Plus, a master's is only two years, after which you could move to NYC. Plus, I think you could get better internships in Chicago.

[anese]

NY to Pittsburgh is about a 9 hour drive fyi, don't count on too many visits unless you can afford to take the plane. I say this as someone who attended CMU and now lives in NYC.

My opinion is unless you really want to be a lawyer, go where the money is. Congratulations your funded offers; it is difficult to squeeze money out of NYU.

[stilesg57]

UIC would be tempting with no tuition and a stipend, but I think I'd go with CMU in your situation. The JD possibility (which you're already accepted to - congrats!) makes debt less of an issue, and you're getting a pretty nice fellowship anyway. The CMU name and alumni network are probably worth the risk, especially with the Pitt JD opportunity. Just my 2c. I didn't apply to any masters programs at schools where I could've gotten into their JD program, so I'm jealous