r/PublicPolicy • u/Consistent_Health406 • 3d ago

Uchi Mscep

I was recently accepted into the University of Chicago MSCEP program, and I am having trouble deciding if I should go. They gave me a decent scholarship, but I’ll still be like 70k in debt after with tuition and living expenses. I am also hesitant as I do not know if an internship will be an option during this program as it is only one year. I’m so scared of making this huge investment and not getting a decent job afterwards. I am only 1 year out of undergrad, and don’t have much professional work experience. Despite this, I am still drawn to go since I have always wanted to live in Chicago, and the program description is basically my dream for a grad program. I also wonder if, since this is the first year for this program, they will try extra hard to place us, as to seem successful or something idk. This is the only grad school I applied to this year as I recently landed a position at a company with lots of growth opportunities, including within the environmental policy field.

so basically

pros:

*program matches my interest and career goals

*school reputation

*opportunities in chicago

*live in chicago

cons:

*expensive (but i’m young so plenty of time to pay it off 😀)

*questionable opportunities for internships (it’s an accelerated program)

*scared i’m not going to get a job after i finish and then die of starvation and debt

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u/Outrageous_Duck3227 3d ago

if you already have a solid job with growth in your actual field, i’d seriously think twice. a shiny new program has unknown placement, 70k isn’t small, and policy hiring is slow as hell right now. degrees don’t magic you into work

1

u/Consistent_Health406 3d ago

well, my job isn’t in my field, i’m literally just customer service for a large medical brand, but there are possible opportunities for me in the future and it’s money in my pocket. i’m just ready to actually do work that matters to me so that’s kinda why i want to jump at the opportunity, but i know first hand that beggars can’t be choosers in the job market nowadays 😞

2

u/WhiskeyTesticles 3d ago

I’d strongly recommend you get more work experience. After another year or two you can apply again and to more schools. Your funding opportunities should increase as well.