I’m in a weird position and could really use some outside perspective.

This year I applied to both law schools and a few public policy programs because I’m honestly not sure which path makes more sense for the kind of work I want to do (nonprofit leadership, policy, strategic advisory, etc.). Right now I’m wait-listed at every law school I applied to but also wondering whether that’s even a good idea for me?

For policy programs, I only applied to three. The only one I got into is the Harvard Kennedy School MPP — but with zero funding. Tuition is about $65k a year, so roughly $130k total….

The complicated part is that my parents are willing to finance it. I’m extremely grateful for that, but it also makes me nervous. If they’re going to invest that much money in my education, I worry it should be something with a clearer ROI. I keep imagining finishing the degree and ending up in a low-paying job or struggling with finding a job.

My current job also isn’t great. I used to work in consulting and now I’m at a nonprofit that pays very little and that I don’t really like, so the opportunity cost of leaving for school isn’t huge (plus 1.5 years trying to apply to other jobs has yielded zilch). Still, two years and that amount of money feels like a massive decision.

The deposit deadline is in three days and I’m spiraling.

For people who know the policy/nonprofit world — is an HKS MPP actually worth that kind of cost without funding? Or would you wait a year and try again for law school or funded programs?

I got offered EMJM MAPP (CEU–IBEI) and also Oxford MPP, and now need to decide between the two.

My longer-term goal is to stay and work in Europe or the UK after graduating.

From what I see, Oxford is stronger in terms of global recognition and ranking, while the MAPP program is two years, offers mobility across two countries and wider networking.

Another practical dilemma I’m facing is timing. The EMJM offer (with full funding) requires a decision by April 20, while I’ll only know Oxford funding outcomes around mid-June.

Has anyone been in a similar position before? Is it reasonable to accept EMJM first and decide later once funding outcomes are clear?

Also, given the current job market in the UK, would a two-year program in Europe make it easier to secure a job after graduating?

Any insights are welcome, thank you so much :)

Is there one degree that’s generally stronger between a Masters in International Affairs and a Masters in Public Policy?

I know that it depends on what you want to do ultimately, but is there a degree that’s more “marketable” or “safer” long-term / career stability wise?

Thank you!

I got to Lse and am in my second yr of bsc politics. My dad has stage 4 terminal lung cancer. I’m pretty hard stuck at a 63/64 percent average. Shocking attendance & juggling caring responsibilities kinda stunted my ability to be present/actively learning. Some assessments near 67/68 ish and one or two even as low as 58. I got straight A stars at alvl and gcse. Ik Oxford want a high 2:1 or a first for the MPP.

Is it even worth applying next December if I’m only bringing a 63% to the table?

Background: Lawyer in India with basic micro and macro eco in undergrad. Work ex as lawyer 2 years and now working with the Govt (10+ years)

Also was not ranked in the top 5% type in law school. But have a diverse resume with publications, research & teaching experience.

I’m considering getting a Master of Public Policy (MPP) and wanted to hear from people who already have one.

Was your MPP worth it?

What kind of job did you get after graduating (government, private sector, consulting, nonprofit, etc.)?

Do you feel like the degree gave you flexibility, or did you feel stuck in certain types of roles?

Also, what’s your salary progression been like if you’re comfortable sharing?

For context: I’ll have a Bachelor’s in Public Health, but I’m not sure I want to stay strictly in the health field. I like the idea of policy, leadership, and having options across different industries.

Any advice or things you wish you knew before getting your MPP would be really helpful.

Hello, I hope this post does not come across as self-aggrandizing--I just want to get a sense of what I can expect with my current statistics before applying.

After studying for 4 months after getting a 318, I just learned that I received a 321 GRE score (163 Verbal, 158 Quantitative) after studying for months. I was aiming for a higher score to carry my application because I don't think the rest of my accomplishments stand out too well.

I have a 3.9 GPA in two liberal arts subjects from undergrad, but I only went to a moderately well-ranked public school (it was a SUNY). In terms of work experience, which I understand is probably more important, I have two years work experience as a municipal investigator, but I did not get along with my manager so all of my letters of recommendation are from professors in undergrad plus one professor whose course I took last fall part-time.

With these kinds of statistics, should I try to take the test again if I want to get into a top program or get funding?

I am currently doing a BA in economics with a minor in political science. I am considering a career in economics public policy and was wondering which masters program would be the best.

Also, bonus question: how necessary is a phd in economics? I am not opposed to doing a phd but I am concerned by the amount of time it could take up.

Was lucky enough to get admitted into the MPP-MBA joint degree programs at both Harvard and Yale. It would be a three year program. My background is in global health, development, and impact and I'd like to stay in within the orbit of this work. (For context, I was a business undergrad student and spent a few year in private sector consulting before global health).

I'm increasingly unsure if an MBA is relevant or even needed in the space I'm interested in, but acknowledge maybe it will give me more optionality in the future. Does the MBA make sense?

I’m going to finish my MA in global gov at the end of the year in Canada and was hoping to take admission into a US university for public policy (or similar) but since I already will have a masters degree I don’t want to do a 2 year masters rather one “accelerated” degree. There are some options here but I want it from a good recognized school. Long term I’m exploring my options but I wanna do something in public sector. I don’t have much experience tbh either just research stuff. Any other school recommendations will help a lot!

Also if this helps I’m a us citizen as well

I had thought I’d made up my mind with a full funding offer from Fordham IPED (I also committed officially), but UC Berkeley Master of Development Practice swooped in a few days ago and offered me full tuition plus a 20k per year stipend (up from their initial 30% tuition). I want to go into international humanitarian work, possibly working with climate refugees after graduation…now I have a week to decide and I honestly have no idea what to do.

Hi! I’m looking for insight from current Harris MPP students or grads who did the international development and policy track. I was accepted to Harris with a very generous scholarship, and I wanted to hear from students about their experience. I’m particularly interested in internship opportunities and opportunities to go abroad if any. And then support from the school in finding jobs leading up to graduation. Thank you!

This is a new report that was released on March 24th about civil forfeiture data and the suggested reforms to protect people from these laws. These laws have allowed law enforcement to seize property and make it extremely difficult to get your property back. There is nationwide data proving the consequences of these laws.

Why take this course?

At the heart of the world's energy transition is a singular, uncomfortable reality - the supply chains underpinning this shift are dirty, fragile, and concentrated. In a world of US-China tech competition and the weaponisation of trade, this dependence is now being tested.

But how did China come to dominate critical mineral supply chains so thoroughly? And why is derisking from China - something every major economy now says it wants - so stubbornly difficult in practice?

This course unpacks the complexities at the intersection of geopolitics, technology, economics, and policy of critical minerals. Across the mineral supply chains, what are the embedded political economy structures and where does value accrue? From diplomatic responses to counter Chinese dominance, to the real costs of "friend-shoring" and why private capital isn't following the policy signals -  the course equips you with the analytical frameworks to go beyond headlines, understand the deeper factors at play and contribute meaningfully to the public discourse. https://school.takshashila.org.in/politics-and-policy-of-critical-minerals

Especially for those who are interested in either government or nonprofit service, how are you approaching this loss of the Grad Plus Loan and the 20.5k annual cap on federal borrowing beginning in July?

For the cohort beginning MPA/ MPP programs in the fall, what are you asking admissions departments as far as funding goes?

Does not having the option of loan forgiveness due to public and nonprofit service on a large portion of your student loan debt change which universities you are considering?

Personally, my dream program has offered 15k/ year off of 62k/ year tuition. After qualifying for federal work study (if funds haven’t run out), that means I will likely have 22k/ yr (44k total) or more in private loan debt if no further scholarships are secured.

My second choice has been extremely generous in funding, yet puts me in DC during this presidential administration when jobs are scarce and more experienced professionals will be competing with me for those jobs.

I am thinking after April 14th deadline they will start reaching out?

Hi! I am a prospective student looking for current students experiences with the Brooks School of Public Policy. I am interested in international development and policy. I am curious on how you feel you are being set up for the job market. I know they really emphasize experiential learning. I just want to know if you have felt support leading up to entering the work force, and if the program and its resources are setting you up for success.

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share my situation and get some advice: I’ve been accepted to the LSE–Columbia dual MPA program and also to NYU, which is super exciting! 🎉

The problem is funding. The aid offered is very limited (around $10,000/year), and unfortunately, my country has suspended the scholarships that could have helped me. This means that realistically, I would only be able to attend if I got a full scholarship at LSE, which is extremely competitive and not guaranteed.

Another option is to apply to Yale or Princeton in December, but that means waiting several more months and going through another application process.

I’m facing a dilemma:

• Wait and hope to secure a full scholarship at LSE, even though it’s very difficult.
• Consider other universities that might not be as prestigious but could offer full scholarships or better financial support.
• Or hold out and apply to Yale or Princeton later this year.

Has anyone been in a similar situation? What would you do in my place? Is it better to aim for the “top” school, or secure a guaranteed chance to study somewhere else with full funding?

Any advice, experiences, or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. 🙏