MPP: Chicago Harris vs Duke Sanford

[cdr415]

Hey All,

Going semi-crazy over here trying to make a decision between Chicago and Duke, would love some input.

My main motivation with the MPP is to advance my quant skills. Currently working for an international climate/development NGO, and would like to continue this sort of work either for an org like the World Bank, or in a developing country... That being said, I want a strong technical and broadly applicable skillset in case I make career shifts later on.

I went to both admitted students days and was impressed by both programs (I know a lot of people had negative reactions to Chicago... I had a few eyerolls but was fine besides that).

Duke has offered me more money (60k vs 25k), but I wonder if Chicago has a better brand name. Where do you think the two schools stand on brand strength in relation to each other and big name schools like HKS, Berkeley, Princeton? Also think Chicago will likely give a more rigurous quant skillset, but unsure how much more to pay for that.

Thanks!

[3dender]

My (inexpert) impression is that Harris is on the level of HKS and WWS in terms of brand strength.  Sanford and Goldman are a step below (though I think the Goldman name isn't as useful on the east coast and I'm skeptical of its strength internationally).

Internationally speaking, if that's where you want to work, I think Harris is either alongside or a short step behind HKS/WWS, with Sanford/Goldman on a distinctly lower tier.  You may want to ask more knowledgeable people about Sanford's international strength (for instance on the Admitted Students' FB page, or PMing current students on GradCafe who have replied on the Sanford thread in the "Government Affairs" forum).  It's a smaller program but as you know from the Open House their network is exceptional, and it is quite possible they have a significant number of alumni working in Europe, including at the organizations you're targeting.

Lastly, when considering price, don't forget to factor in cost of living.  Chicago will be at least twice as expensive as Durham.  You also might consider posting this in the "Government Affairs" forum.

Edited April 7, 2017 by 3dender