Columbia vs LSE

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>I have been accepted to the MSc in Development Management in LSE, UK and the Master in Public Administration program in SIPA. I do not know which university to choose now because LSE is development studies oriented and better for joining the UN and NGOs in Europe while the MPA program is better in the states and I think will help me get into the private sector here too. I also need to think about the price because both are without fellowships so the MPA is going to be twice as expensive. I am excited about the NY aspect though and the reputation....but lse is also quite well known and although I am more excited about Columbia I have no idea how reputable it is and how good the MPA program is at all...</p>

<p>Any advice/comments is very much appreciated...especially if you have already attended or are attending one of these programs for any honest opinions...</p>

<p>see a thread down below... similar discussion.</p>

<p>Yes there is already a pretty detailed thread about this. What it sort of came down to in the end is that LSE's reputation probably won't get you as far as it should in the US, and Columbia's reputation probably won't get you as far as it should in Europe. </p>

<p>I would recommend you make up your mind regarding where you want to work; then the decision will become clearer. </p>

<p>If they were both the same price then I would recommend Columbia strictly out of risk aversion (having only an American passport can limit your job opportunities abroad). With Columbia is charging double (with no funding I assume?) it becomes a very tough choice.</p>

<p>Thank you for the reply. I am actually a European citizen so I was wondering if working in the states afterwards with a degree from Columbia is feasible..i mean if many graduates find work in the states right after...</p>

<p>Ah, then I reverse my recommendation, as LSE is the lower-risk option in your case. I can't answer your question about Europeans finding work in the US after graduating from Columbia though.</p>

<p>I don't think it'll work out too while for Europeans to work in the US, especially in the US government if that's what you're after. You're better off trying to find a company that has offices both in the US and Europe.</p>