MPA Decisions

[maitai]

I am in the midst of deciding between to two public universities in Massachusetts. They both offer an MPA program, albeit one touts itself as providing a global comparative component to its MPA program. One is in Boston and the other one is in a rural area of MA, far from Boston.  

School #1 (Boston):

Pros: It is most likely more well-known compared to School #2. It has a larger alumni network and would probably offer more opportunities, in terms of research, networking, etc. It also happens to be located in Boston, which is a big plus (more to do, more internship or job opportunities, etc)

Cons: It would cost about 16,000 per year and in the end, I would be paying off approximately 32,000 dollars or so in loans. 

 

School #2 (Located in a rural part of MA)

Pros: So much cheaper. When it's all said and done, I would graduate with approximately 12,000 or so in student debt. On the plus side, it would also offer an opportunity to do assistantships in various semesters. School #1 does not offer as many assistantships as School #2

Cons: It is lesser known, the alumni network is much smaller. It is not located anywhere near a city, closest would be Boston but that is about a few hours drive away. Being in a more rural location could mean less opportunities for internships, job prospects are kinda meh. However, I'd also be living at home which would mean less rent I'd have to pay. 

Honestly, School #1 is my first choice. However, I need to be practical about this and I do worry that if I graduate with as much as debt as I would accrue by attending School #1, I don't know how much of it I could pay off, etc. At the same time, School #2 does offer me so much more flexibility in terms of price and I know that in the end, I could always move to a city one I completed my graduate degree. 

I guess what I am trying to get at is whether or not an MPA is worth taking on that much debt, especially since the job market itself is a hit or miss sometimes. I don't expect to get a job right away after graduating, but at the same time, I don't want to be so cash-strapped. 

[CounselingPsych]

I don't know if you are still deciding, but you should ask school # 1 for more money and tell them you have another offer and that differing financial commitments is what is holding you back from potentially accepting their offer.