Advice on MPP Program (funding vs. no funding; ivy vs. non-ivy)

[kd7432]

Hello everyone. With the April 15th deadline approaching, I am quite confused about which Master's in Public Policy program to attend. I have been accepted to the following schools:

Columbia SIPA (MPA)
Chicago Harris 
Duke Sanford
Michigan Ford

Of these, Duke and Michigan have given me comparable funding that makes their total cost about $75k for two years (including living). Meanwhile Chicago and Columbia will cost me $130k and $160k respectively. Please give me advice on whether its worth paying full for Chicago/Columbia or not and why. If not, then which one of Duke/Michigan is better?

I am broadly interested in socioeconomic development with an international focus, and am interested in research type jobs (think tanks, World Bank etc.). I chose to do a Master's because I first wanted to figure out whether I really wanted to do a PhD or not, so I would like to keep that option as well. 

Thanks for your help!

[RCtheSS]

Have you visited any of the programs? Have you looked into the faculty and research centers at each program to determine research fit?

[kd7432]

I am an international student, so I wasn't able to visit any programs. I have looked into the faculty, and all of them have people who are working in areas of my interest. But again, even if they are there, such as at Columbia, doesn't mean I will be able to work with them (RAships etc.) because of the very limited number of positions. At Duke, for example, there are fewer professors but more chances of working with them. So I'm hoping others can chime in and give their opinions