Columbia vs. Emory- development practice

[SIPA CROWN]

Hello everyone,

 

I was recently admitted to Columbia University's SIPA program for the Masters in Public Administration in Development Practice with a $35,000 scholarship to cover both years.  Their tuition is about $108,000 for both years which would leave me to come up with about $70,000 on my own.  However I would have to worry about housing since I can live with my grandparents in Newark NJ and just commute.

However I just received an email from the Dean of Emory  for the Development practice program stating that the school is willing to give me a $50,000 scholarship spanning both years which would only leave me $30,000 to come up on my own. However, I would have to find housing in Atlanta.  

Columbia has more classes suited to my particular interests in green building and sustainable cities. However, Emory is also a great program and they offer 2 field practicums. 

In your opinion would you take the scholarship to Emory or would you take the offer to Columbia which has more classes suited to my interests?

[blacknighterrant]

I went to Emory undergrad and enjoyed my time there. I don't know about the relative strengths of the programs so I can't comment completely. What you should think about though is what school you have the best research fit with and who your advisor is (advisor is more important than ranking generally). The money is also important, why pay more when you don't have to? In addition, if I was personally choosing I'd have to also consider the advantage of personal freedom. Although you would have to find housing in Decatur, at least you could be alone or with a roommate that wouldn't impede upon your personal freedom (you have to be more considerate toward family and living with family could make possible relationships harder). In addition, I don't think it would be realistic to commute to Columbia from Newark every day (at least you wouldn't be happy doing it), it is over 20 miles away and there is outrageous traffic getting into NY if you have a car, if you use public transportation it would take slightly longer. You would spend at least 2 hours in a car every day which would be a pain.

[shannonwj]

I'm in a similar position! 

 

I think for me it comes down to philosophy of development. I was accepted to both and I think I align more with Emory, whose staff is interdisciplinary and anthropology focused. The MDP at Columbia is the Jeff Sachs model and if you look at the faculty, is largely economists. 

 

Good luck!