which one would you go to if you got into both? Pros and cons please, or what you consider the appealing part of each particular school for this major/living environment, etc
they are both good programs and the campuses share lots of similarities - commuter school, student body size etc. The weather in Sac is often HOT and at SFSU is often COLD. Their real distinguishing characteristics are their connection to their surrounding community. If you plan to live/work in one or the other after you graduate, it will be a LOT easier to get connected to local employers as a grad of the local school. Opportunities for Internships, career fairs, info interviews etc are more about proximity than reputation.
If you want to work for the state of CA, Sac will open more doors hands down.
what is your post grad objective?
i should add, the cost of living near campus is markedly lower in Sac if that’s an issue. A 2 bedroom apt near Sac State is around $1.3k/month - a 3 bedroom house, around $1.6k. I haven’t looked in a while but, i bet SF is 2x-3x. Traffic and congestion are a lot less in Sac. IMHO, the overall quality of life (and recreation options) also weigh heavily in Sac’s favor.
After grad, I think I plan to move to New York. I don’t know what I"ll be doing as a career, but I was thinking policy analyst or researcher
Spend some time at both schools and see which you like more. If all is equal, cheaper and better quality of life at Sac is probably the right call.
Going to school at SAC would lead to internships with state government. If you are looking for ways to get many job offers as an MPA, don’t skimp with the research methods and data analyses courses. Take more than the minimum.
Another vote for Sac State. Be sure to take advantage of having the capitol at your doorstep.
Both schools would work. But another vote for Sac State here. Absolutely be sure to look into paid positions as you get your MPA. The lifestyle (when not in classes) in Sacramento is lovely with unique recreational opportunities. Tahoe and Reno 2 hours away to ski and play plus an hour or so out of the bay area. Lakes, trails, and biking galore. The cost of living is a plus as well. Add to it the plethora of opportunities at the State Capitol and County make for a superior learning experiences for your future career