<p>This one is easy. As a professional in the international trade area in DC, choose NU. Most of the special programs at various Universities have little or no cachet once you graduate and are just sales tools to attract undergrads from high schools. American is the weak number 4 or 5 in the DC area (UVA also competes as a local school). No matter what you do you will ultimately need a graduate degree and NU is a much stronger platform. If you debating between Georgtown, Hopkins or UVa this would be a closer call.</p>