I have been accepted to both Suffolk and NE’s MPA programs. I am genuinely undecided between the two. Both are in Boston and are pretty similar in terms of cost (way too much). Both are MPA accredited, if that means anything. I do like that Suffolk is near the State House and offers a state and local government concentration, which could help, since I am a current state employee. Does anyone know anything about either program? Obviously NE is a well-known university and Suffolk is not as competitive, at least as far as UG studies are concerned; but does this matter for graduate studies? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!
To say that Suffolk is not competitive for undergrads is an understatement. I would guess that applies to grad students too. If the costs are about the same you would be better to get on the Grren line and head out to Northeastern.
Yes; in fact, it matters more for graduate studies than for undergrad. I don’t know anything about these specific programs, but a quick Internet search revealed that while I can find good things and some rudimentary reputational items about Northeastern, I can’t find any information about Suffolk.
The best way to answer this question, though, is to check out post-graduation outcomes at both programs. Where do Northeastern and Suffolk alumni go after they finish the MPA? What kinds of salaries are they making? CAn they repay the debt they take on at the school? Are they in the kinds of positions you’re getting an MPA to get into?