<p>I have a feeling that my college decision is going to come down to NYU and GWU. While NYU is ranked slightly higher than GWU, I want to major in political science/international relations (I did not, however, apply to Elliot, I applied poli sci at GW). Part of me feels like GW would be the better school considering my interests and the location's proximity to politics (plus internships), but I also loved NYU and it IS ranked higher. I hate going by rankings so any personal insight on the matter would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>I think the advantages of a DC education far outweigh anything NYU could offer. Frankly the rankings are comparable, and keep in mind that those rankings are very general, and not of the poly sci/IR programs. The professionals that you'll meet in DC and the networking you'll do will play a far bigger role in getting a job in your field than any sort of perceived prestige that NYU has over GW.</p>
<p>NYU is an awesome school and I would have love to gone to Stern, but like you I am going to school for not just business, but also public policy. NYU could not match GW in those specific areas thanks to the District, so while I am bias myself this is truly accurate, GW is the school for Poli Sci and International Relations.</p>
<p>Also, if cash is an issue for you, NYU's financial aid offers are very poor. GWs I know in gereral are typically stronger...I know I;m pretty happy with what they offered me, and ive heard from several others that they also got stronger offers from GW than many of their other schools.</p>
<p>Well looking at my financial aid package this is how it breaks down:
GW Guaranteed Grant: $20,000
Uni. and Alumni Award: $3,400
Federal Work-Study: $2,200
Fed Sub Staffard Loan: $2,625
Federal Perkins Loan: $1,200</p>
<p>Total: $29,425</p>
<p>Tuition and Room/Board: $49,290
---after Financial Aid: $19,865</p>
<p>While still daunting and I could buy a nice hyundai for that, unlike most students I know that is all I will have to pay for the next four years, thus making it easier to manage outside scholarships or loans if needed. I also plan on working in admissions for Federal Work-Study.. :)</p>