LSE vs SIPA? MPA in development

[Ana89]

Heyyyy Guys!

Just got admitted to LSE MPA and SIPA'S MPA and MPA-DP. 

My aim is to work on international development and at global initiatives and agencies (such as UNDP, FAO, USAID,etc). None of them have offered me funding. But, from what I have heard is easier to get student loans and/or second-year funding at SIPA. But, LSE's tuiton fee is significant lowe. But I love Columbia. I am quite confused.

Any advice? Anyone on the same boat.

Also, I have to decide between the 2 SIPA  programs. 

[monocle]

How much work experience do you have? Have you asked for the reconsideration form for funding?

[Ana89]

Since 2013 work as a bachelor, 1.5 years as social enterprise incubator associate and then one year abroad in oxfam for an internship. Currently an advisor for government agency. Yes, the financial aid office told me I would be in for reconsideration but srating april 15th. any suggestion?

[kd7432]

On 3/28/2016 at 10:28 PM, Ana89 said:

Since 2013 work as a bachelor, 1.5 years as social enterprise incubator associate and then one year abroad in oxfam for an internship. Currently an advisor for government agency. Yes, the financial aid office told me I would be in for reconsideration but srating april 15th. any suggestion?

Hey, what did you decide and why? I am confused between SIPA and LSE myself...

[emorn4007]

Hi- Any update here? I'm also trying to decide between these two programs. The MPA at LSE is attractive in part because of the possibility to do a dual degree and spend the second year at Columbia- but I really like the structure and cohort feel of Columbia's MPA-DP. Any other folks trying to make this decision? 

 

 

[jakem1023]

On 3/16/2018 at 10:19 PM, emorn4007 said:

Hi- Any update here? I'm also trying to decide between these two programs. The MPA at LSE is attractive in part because of the possibility to do a dual degree and spend the second year at Columbia- but I really like the structure and cohort feel of Columbia's MPA-DP. Any other folks trying to make this decision? 

 

 

I just turned down a $24,000 scholarship from Columbia's MPA-DP program. Even with that funding I would have needed to take out loans upwards of $130,000 to cover fees, tuition, and cost of living. Its completely ridiculous how expensive it is. 

I am just not convinced this kind of investment is worth it in a career in international development. 

I declined a 38.5% scholarship from Georgetown's Global Human Development program for that reason as well. 

Instead I accepted an offer from University of Arizona's Masters in Development Practice (full ride + living stipend). Granted I am very lucky to have this option - but I think I would have gained more work experience (only have 3 years of experience) in an attempt to get more funding.

I talked to loads of professionals in development and it simply doesnt matter as much in this field in terms of where you go. However I heard too many horror stories about how debt made them stressed throughout the program and significantly impacted their early career decisions and even their ability to afford starting a family. 

Youre starting salary probably wont exceed $60,000 or so for the average entry job in development - keep the finances in mind! Overseas field jobs dont pay much either - ask yourself if you think you can make the $500/1000/month payments.

I was blinded by the prestige at first but I think I made the right choice going to a smaller program with more faculty access - SIPA is notorious for low faculty access. 

I would recommend LSE - good way to access European networks and better bang for your buck.

There is no objective answer to which program is best for you - best of luck!

[anmanya]

10 hours ago, jakem1023 said:

I just turned down a $24,000 scholarship from Columbia's MPA-DP program. Even with that funding I would have needed to take out loans upwards of $130,000 to cover fees, tuition, and cost of living. Its completely ridiculous how expensive it is. 

I am just not convinced this kind of investment is worth it in a career in international development. 

I declined a 38.5% scholarship from Georgetown's Global Human Development program for that reason as well. 

Instead I accepted an offer from University of Arizona's Masters in Development Practice (full ride + living stipend). Granted I am very lucky to have this option - but I think I would have gained more work experience (only have 3 years of experience) in an attempt to get more funding.

I talked to loads of professionals in development and it simply doesnt matter as much in this field in terms of where you go. However I heard too many horror stories about how debt made them stressed throughout the program and significantly impacted their early career decisions and even their ability to afford starting a family. 

Youre starting salary probably wont exceed $60,000 or so for the average entry job in development - keep the finances in mind! Overseas field jobs dont pay much either - ask yourself if you think you can make the $500/1000/month payments.

I was blinded by the prestige at first but I think I made the right choice going to a smaller program with more faculty access - SIPA is notorious for low faculty access. 

I would recommend LSE - good way to access European networks and better bang for your buck.

There is no objective answer to which program is best for you - best of luck!

Just a follow up question: I've heard from current students that SIPA faculty are quite approachable and do help you quite a bit in the process. Or are their views biased? What else have you heard about SIPA?