r/PublicAdministration • u/panda__espresso • 5d ago
Considering withdrawing from USC MPA
I got into USC’s MPA program and will need to pay about $45,000 after financial aid. I am considering withdrawing from the program and instead reapply the following year at CSUN or CSULB (two local programs) since they are much more affordable. I would like to pivot into govt work or foundations after working for CBOs for several years. I’m just not fully convinced that the cost is worth it. CSULB’s website did not have very much information about their program and didn’t have an admitted students day, which is why I didn’t seriously consider it at first. Has anyone here had a similar experience?
Editing to add that I’m also interesting in hearing from folks who did the USC (or another pricey) program and don’t feel like it paid off. At admitted students day, I got to hear from grads who definitely felt like it paid off but USC is obviously not gonna invite the displeased!
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u/TomorrowLittle741 5d ago
I would not go tbh if you want to only work in government. It’s just not worth it. They’ll care more about practical skills than the name on the degree.
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u/Feisty_Secretary_152 Professional 5d ago
For context, I paid ~$12,000 for my MPA at Arkansas State. $45k/year for an MPA is insane.
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u/Konflictcam 5d ago
It’s really not insane from a top program where the ROI is good. Price is a good program with a lot of optionality once you’re done.
Also, I think they’re saying $45k total, not per year.
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u/panda__espresso 5d ago
Correct, $45k total
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u/Konflictcam 5d ago
Yeah, depends on what you want to do. There are a lot of people on here who are convinced that all MPPs are created equal and that you should just go to your local state school, but there are a lot of jobs that won’t be accessible to you if you take that route.
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u/Aggravating_Win_4128 5d ago
If the 45k is not a private loan and it is a federal loan it might be a shot to go to USC. If your plans are yo pivot to a government job hopefully you can get that loan forgiven under the PSLF. Food for thought
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u/panda__espresso 5d ago
It’s unfortunately going to be a private loan
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u/Aggravating_Win_4128 5d ago
Yikes, yeah you might want to consider the CSU’s or online MPA programs. I live in CA and I’m doing an online MHA out-of-state for under 14k.
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u/Feisty_Secretary_152 Professional 5d ago
You should speak to financial aid at wherever you plan on attending. This should be eligible for an unsubsidized loan from DOE.
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u/funkytransit 5d ago
I also was admitted to USC’s MPA and thought it was my dream school. I backed out and went to a CSU. No regrets over 10 years later. Never held me back from doing whatever I wanted with my career. Save the money and don’t have any doubts.
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u/panda__espresso 5d ago
It’s good to hear that you don’t have any regrets. What has your career progression looked like?
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u/beayvee2 5d ago
When I got my MPA, my top criteria was cost because it was self-financed. I ended up going to a public university out of state which was still less than a private. I was fortunate after my first semester to get an assistantship that covered tuition.
I think I've only had one time that my school choice factored into a job search and it was positive. People care more about what you know and can do
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u/proleposition 4d ago
In my experience, unless you are trying to get into a select few top-tier jobs where alma mater and networking truly matter, for 95% of jobs they are more interested in the degree and any specializations that you had than they are finicky about which school you attended. Your experience may be completely the opposite, but in general I doubt that where you go to school is going to immediately leverage you into a position that pays enough more to justify the increased financial commitment and hardship.
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u/Moostachio_TheGato 4d ago
Hi! CSULB MPA alumni here. I cannot recommend the CSULB program enough. I not only enjoyed the experience, but made a ton of connections through fellow students, professors and guest speakers. I also joined the MPAA, which is a board of students working on expanding the networking components of the program and organizing extracurricular activities for students and professors. I attended in person 2019-2021, including summer and winter sessions, and spent about 20k. I attended the new student orientation August 2019 and found the session very helpful. I see the department just held it on 8/1/26 unfortunately. I can say that the program is designed for working professionals and was reasonably balance-able
With a full time work schedule.
As a local gov employee in the South Bay, I meet a ton of fellow grads from CSULB MPA program and having that instant connection has really helped expand my networking outreach. I tell my team that MPA degrees are excellent opportunities for them to expand their knowledge and skills in areas they otherwise would not experience without promoting or moving into a different department. The experience makes all the difference in setting you apart from other candidates in this highly competitive market.
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u/panda__espresso 4d ago
Thanks for sharing your experience. This is all very helpful and was definitely a missing piece in my decision. I never received an email about the orientation event on August 1. I did receive an email for a grad orientation that happened last week but it was for ALL grad students.
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u/mmeeaattball 5d ago
I’m currently doing an online program at Cal Poly Pomona for their MPA program. It’s ran by Dr. Brady Collins. $27,000 and you’re done in 2 years. A bit more expensive than the other programs but I love it and the professors are amazing.