Clark Atlanta or Georgia State (school, universities, living)

[VegasBeauty]

I am considering moving to Atlanta for graduate school and these two are on my list. I know GSU has a reputable grad school and as for Clark I am mainly interested because it's cheaper coming in as an out of state resident and I kind of like the fact that it's an HBCU (historically black colleges & universities). However I've heard that Spelman and Morehouse overshadow Clark and thus have heard mixed reviews as far as the school's reputation, that it's a party school, ghetto, etc. I visited this campus 5 years ago when I considered it for undergrad and to be honest I was not that impressed by the overall presentation but I would like to be able to consider it. I am pursuing a masters in public administration in which Emory does not offer a degree in. University of Georgia does but I would like to stay in the Atlanta area.

[lastminutemom]

Could you move here first, get a job and establish residency? I wouldn't overpay for a masters in public administration, given the condition of governments and government funded organization these days. Non-profits aren't doing so well either. You would have to register to vote here, get a GA driver's license etc. And be here for at least a year before applying/registering.

Petition for Georgia Tuition Classification — Office of the Registrar — Enrollment Services — Georgia State University

If you are over 24, your residency will be based on you, not your parents. I would research what it takes to become in-state.

Also, where do you imagine living once you are done? While degrees are portable, you might consider the connections you can make in grad school and head to that area

[MathmanMathman]

Probably GSU as they are ranked in that area.

[westau]

Georgia also has a campus in Atlanta so you don't have to completely rule that out(assuming they do your major at that campus, I am not sure).

[FlyiMetro]

Gsu

[dbowe4415]

GSU is probably a better bet because of the networking you'll get to do within the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies. That's a pretty big department, and I'm sure its professors have connections with different Atlanta policy makers and the like. Meeting the right person in the department could lead to a potential job in the future. Of course, being at a bigger school can mean less individualized attention from professors and more competition for assistantships and jobs, but because the program and department are ranked, I'm sure you'll find lots of opportunities.

Having attended an HBCU for undergrad, I have a greater affinity toward Clark. I don't know a whole lot about the school, but a friend that's there for grad school says that it's a good place. The area of Atlanta where the school is located is middling - it's partially ghetto, but Castleberry Hill is nearby (which is a cool area), and there are nice parts on Northside Dr. and Lowery Blvd. I will say this about Clark being a party school: it's not that big of a deal. Since you're there for grad school (and assuming you're not living on campus), the parties won't bother you as much. I attend West Georgia for grad school, and the countless parties they have here haven't bothered me at all.

I hope this post helps in your decision-making process, and don't hesitate to contact me if you're ever looking for a friend in the metro!

[Big L]

It would be easier and cheaper to move here, establish residency, and then go to GSU for grad school. I know several people that I attended CAU for grad school, so I don't have anything against the school or their programs. However, the school itself is more expensive than GSU's in-state tuition if you don't any scholarships, grants, or fellowships. You can do essentially the same thing with an MPA from either school, so it is best to go with the cheaper route.

[dichloromethane]

Public administration would be best done at Georgia State. Andrew Young school of Policy Studies is a great program.

Stay away from Clark like the plague. What you've heard at Clark is absolutely correct. Spelman and Morehouse lap Clark a thousand times before a Clark student can even get a job. In this market, it's something you should consider. I certainly would not pay for their graduate education. GSU also offers better financial aid to it's graduate students.

GSU hands down.

[dichloromethane]

Originally Posted by westau

Georgia also has a campus in Atlanta so you don't have to completely rule that out(assuming they do your major at that campus, I am not sure).

The Terry Business School at the Atlanta campus may not offer programs in Public Administration. I believe OP would enroll with the School of Public and International Affairs. UGA would definitely give you better prospects. You're mastering in a competitive field. However, GSU is good too.

[VegasBeauty]

Originally Posted by westau

Georgia also has a campus in Atlanta so you don't have to completely rule that out(assuming they do your major at that campus, I am not sure).

No, I just checked and they don't offer my program on the Atlanta campus Thanks!