<p>I have read dozens of posts here and would really appreciate some feedback. This is a hypothetical.</p>
<p>Me
5 years experience in the nonprofit sector.
Currently work for a well-known international NGO in NY (in a mostly administrative, though well paid position)
Considering an MPA/MPP degree, would prefer quant and econ-heavy.</p>
<p>NYU-Wagner, stay at work, zero debt
With my current salary and scholarships, I could probably attend NYU Wagner MPA part-time and finish the degree in 3 years with no debt. However I'm not sure I'm impressed with the courses/jobs of recent graduates. The school seems very focused on NGO management and public-finance which is not really my thing.</p>
<p>Other alternatives (again hypothetical combo of savings and scholarships):</p>
<p>GPPI, SIPA, Harris, SAIS, Fletcher with maybe 70k in debt
I have friends graduating from SIPA that are unable to find jobs and so I am reluctant to do this. That being said I know that these schools can open doors and give private sector options some others can't (which can help with the debt).</p>
<p>GWU or American in DC with significant scholarship (maybe 20k debt)
I have heard good things about these programs. The downside is leaving my job in this economy, considering I have a relatively high salary already. This seems like a more reasonable risk but I wonder if it's worth it.</p>
<p>Does it make sense for me to leave a well-paid (albeit boring) job in this economy to take on 70k or even 20-30k in debt?</p>
<p>Any thoughts on my ramblings would be appreciated.</p>
<p>I would go with the NYU option if I were you. I would not leave such a good job right now. I think with your experience and with a degree from NYU you can make your own opportunities later. Maybe by the time you are done with your program, you will be able to find something more to your liking and move on to that position while holding on to your stable well-paying job in the meantime. That’s my 2 cents as a person who is currently being raped by the economy…</p>
<p>Thanks very much for both of your replies. I am leaning towards this as well.</p>
<p>It’s difficult as I would really love the experience of moving away and spending two years just studying (I didn’t do that for undergrad either), but at the same time 2011 is not 1999, and the economy still has a ways to go. </p>
<p>The other option is saving up for a few years here and then going, but seeing as I’m 30 I’m not sure that makes sense.</p>
<p>I’d definitely eliminate the high-price option. </p>
<p>What is the strength of the GW and American programs vs. the NYU?</p>
<p>Sometimes you get more for paying more, sometimes you don’t. If one of the three is significantly better regarded than the other two, I’d go for it, even it cost $20K-$30K…a far more manageable number than $70K.</p>
<p>I think American (for example) is better suited for what I want to do ultimately, but the cost if I include missed wages is a bit higher. Argh this is so tough.</p>
<p>Given the relative recognizability of NYU over GWU or American, and the fact that not only will you have zero debt at Wagner but you will also not have to forgo wages or a well-paying, good job in this economy…</p>
<p>Also, I think $20K debt is too low an estimate - is that only for tuition and fees? Remember that you will have to pay for living expenses, too, and likely you will have to finance that with loans.</p>
<p>I’d definitely choose the NYU option. Being that you will be at NYU with a world-class business school, is there any way that you can tke the courses that you want to take (econ and quant/finance courses) at Stern during your time there? Can you tailor the MPA program to be more towards what you are looking for?</p>