Help me decide between Johns Hopkins SAIS and NYU Wagner!!

[confusedafrican]

Hey everyone,

So i recently got accepted to Johns Hopkins SAIS for their International Political Economy Program and NYU Wagner's  MPA in Public and Non Profit Management Policy- International Specialization. I would love to have a focus on sub saharan Africa while in grad school. I think both these schools are really great and have good development/ African focused programs so I'm confused which one to pick. Unfortunately, neither are giving me funding so I'm applying to external scholarships. Some scholarships however need you to specify what school you plan on attending so I just need advice on what school you think I should enroll in. My dream job/ career has always been to work in places like the World Bank, UN basically international development organizations. 

Any advice you give this confusedafrican is highly appreciated!! Thanks!

 

[3dender]

I imagine it has occurred to you that cost of living is a significant factor.  Check out the housing differences and reflect on how much extra debt you are willing to accrue just by living in NYC.

[trains]

Cost of living in D.C. isn't exactly cheap either. 

I don't know anything about the program at NYU, but as I've been accepted to SAIS and done a lot of research I can tell you it seems like SAIS does well in placing graduates at organizations like the World Bank and IMF. From what I've read, the economics background at SAIS is very attractive to employers. 

[3dender]

My bad, I thought SAIS was in Baltimore with the rest of JHU.  But yes, DC not as cheap as Balmer for sure.  Still, cheaper suburbs available with very quick access to downtown.

[confusedafrican]

15 hours ago, 3dender said:

I imagine it has occurred to you that cost of living is a significant factor.  Check out the housing differences and reflect on how much extra debt you are willing to accrue just by living in NYC.

thank you for your reply! Yes, definitely considered cost of living in NYC. Fortunately, I wont have to worry about housing at least. Already have that sorted. Was wondering more about the NYU program itself and its reputation.

[confusedafrican]

14 hours ago, trains said:

Cost of living in D.C. isn't exactly cheap either. 

I don't know anything about the program at NYU, but as I've been accepted to SAIS and done a lot of research I can tell you it seems like SAIS does well in placing graduates at organizations like the World Bank and IMF. From what I've read, the economics background at SAIS is very attractive to employers. 

Hey trains! Congrats on being accepted to SAIS as well! I also noticed alot of SAIS alums work in orgs like WB, IMF etc and that is one of the things that really attracted me to their program. However, like you mentioned the program has a heavy econ focus and yet I dont really have an econ background. I'm a little concerned about that.