Hi,
I am in a bit of a dilemma, I have got into a master’s program in UCSC which is giving me a full ride + living expenses and I have also been acceptedin Columbia SPS. While in one its no student debt the other one is an IVY league certificate. I am an international student. So I am slightly confused. Need Help !!
TIA
Master degree in Columbia SPS
Can you pay for Columbia SPS without any problem, or will someone have to go into debt to cover the costs.
Do employers in your country care where you complete your graduate studies?
In your particular field of study, which are the most resoected programs?
Why did you aply to UCSC in the first place?
Big scholarships like that are rare for Masters programs. They are even less common for international students. My first advice would be to take the offer from UCSC.
I had applied to UCSC due to the program and same with Columbia didn’t know I would get into both.
I would be taking on the debt for Columbia if i go ahead. I am trying to conside the ROI for both the schools after graduation. Comparable to us salaries. In my country employers do pay attention to the brand name as against the course.
What program is it?
How much does the Columbia program cost - how much debt would you have to take on to pay for it?
Do you have any undergraduate debt already?
In some fields, prestige matters. In others, it doesn’t matter so much. If you were applying for, say, a social work degree or a teaching degree, both the fact that prestige doesn’t really matter as much in those fields AND the low salaries would make me say go to UCSC for sure. But if you were going for banking or tech or something similar, I’d say that prestige matters more AND the salary you’ll be paid will help you pay the loans off comfortably.
Complicating matters is how much the program will cost and how much undergrad debt you already have. If the program would cost you $120K in debt - that amount is difficult to repay no matter what you do afterwards. But if you’d only go $60K, that’s different. Your undergrad debt is included in the total you have to repay, so that’s a consideration too.
Ucsc is economics and policy while the Msc in Columbia is sustainability management. I dont have any undergrad debt and the program would cost ne around 80k
Sustainable economics and policy @ UCSC
Do UCSC, it’s a graduate degree and $80k in my humble opinion isn’t worth it when you can go to school for free. Prestige helps at first, but in the long run it’s all about the skills you possess and what you bring to the table to receive a good-paying job/promotions. Plus, UCSC is a great school. If you feel comfortable taking about $80k+cost of living for the degree then go for it. I really don’t understand why turn down a full-ride to graduate school?
No debt is wonderful. A full scholarship is quite an achievement.
Cost of living and apt. rental logistics are extra tough in Manhattan. DD looked into grad school housing at Columbia, but it wasn’t a fit for her plan to take year round courses at the time. She found an apt. to share; it was expensive to pay first and last months’ rent, full month’s rent for security deposit and fee to rental agent all upfront. Also, the financial vetting process of you and/or your guarantor (if required) is vigorous (check income requirements), and perhaps complicated by a need for international verification. Do some folks luck out with a great option? Yes. Is it the norm? Probably not and lots of time to look is often required. Things tend to open up only 4-6 weeks ahead, with extra competition for Aug. or Sept lease dates.
The value added of the school’s name that you are perceiving may not endure as long as the loan payments and for me, would not be a reason to choose it.
All the best!