Maxwell Syracuse or SIPA Columbia

[gchs30]

Hi! I have been accepted to both Columbia and Syracuse to study a MPA. I have been offered a full scholarship to Syracuse but none in Columbia. I like Columbia due to its variety of courses and concentrations and I have read that it is possible to be a Teaching Assistant during the second year. However Syracuse would be free and it is better ranked at rankings. I would like to take classes related to international development and human rights. What program should I go to? 

[crisisdiplomacy]

According to the Foreign Policy Rankings, SIPA is much higher ranked than Syracuse, coming in at #5: http://foreignpolicy.com/2015/02/03/top-twenty-five-schools-international-relations/

 

SIPA seems to have some really good opportunities, but I've heard its large and impersonal and can be a bit of a cash cow program, but it has a lot of prestige just because of the name/ivy league. I don't know much about Syracuse, but a full ride is a full ride! SIPA is very very expensive. 

[DCB]

You'll find a decent amount of lukewarm to negative reviews for SIPA on this forum, I know that much. Take that for what you will.

[KenBesonders]

Honestly, SIPA is very good and ranks high but keep in mind you would be turning down a full-ride to go to what is arguably the most expensive graduate school in IR. Again, though SIPA might fit you better, is it worth over 100K in debt when you could go to a quality school for free?

 

We have a thread on debt vs prestige, but for the most part, many schools will help work your interests and your network is what matters for getting a job. If you REALLY want to go to SIPA it is your call, but never underestimate the burden of the debt you would acquire. Job prospects will likely not be that much different.