DC area MPP options - 2017

[helltoupee]

I currently work at a DC area doing research and data work. I am looking into pursuing a MPP, and would likely like to stay in the area and attend one of the schools here. I haven't applied yet, but currently am debating a few alternate scenarios. 

 

My partner is pursuing his doctoral degree and would plan to move to the area and live with me to finish his dissertation work remotely. The goal is ultimately for me to graduate with my MPP, have a good level of work experience built up before I find a job in whatever city he (ideally) gets offered a position to teach. 

 

My workplace also pays part of the tuition for degrees that benefit the company. If they do help me with tuition, I am committed to staying at the company for a year after I wrap up my program.

 

In terms of my options, it essentially boils down to money, time to complete the degree and what will be most valuable for my career with the expectation I will be applying to jobs all around the country.

 

George Mason:

-I am able to pursue the degree while I continue to work.

-I receive in-state tuition. Would be looking at a range of 6k-16k in debt depending on whether not I am able to get merit based aid. 

-I can start in spring, and wrap up the program in two years (full time, but the classes are structured in a way that I can feasibly be a full time student and work). This allows me 2-3 years of work experience at hopefully a different org in DC before I try to up and move

-I am able to take advantage of the DC consortium, so have the ability to take classes at other schools if I so desire

 

Georgetown:

-Would start Fall 2017,  and the evening program would take me 3 years to complete.

I'd be committed to my workplace for 4 years. It's a great place, but I'd want to be able to get experience at another DC area organization. I'd maybe have 1 year of experience at this new job before moving on (depending on if my partner takes more or less time to finish his PhD program)

-I would be roughly 65k in debt if I did the part time program here. Part time students are not eligible for the same financial aid as full-time. 

-Could do full time and finish in 2 years, but would not be able to continue working. Would renege the benefit/security of my job and be dependent on getting sufficient funding.

 

American/GW would essentially have the same breakdown and timeline as Georgetown, with a little less in cost. I would want to build a strong quantitative and analytical skill-set through my program with a focus on health policy.

 

The financially pragmatic part of me thinks GMU is a clear choice, but I am concerned that it might be a disadvantage since I do want to work in DC for a few more years (and would be competing with Georgetown and GW grads for these jobs). And of course, Georgetown has that universal name recognition. 

 

For folks who have attended these institutions or have knowledge on MPP degree value, what would be your assessment of the best route to take? (Ultimately I'd probably be looking at at least applying to all programs for the Fall 2017 cycle and seeing what pans out as the best option. I would just be giving up that spring semester start for GMU).