US funding for UK student - Columbia

International Students
1

I am currently deciding between an MA in Global thought at Columbia and an Msc in African development at LSE. I am leaning towards Columbia- new city, better brand name, Ivy league etc however I am concerned about the finances Columbia will set me back about 87, 051 dollars so I’m looking for any sort of grant of scholarship that can help me out.

INFO:
I am a black 21 year old female.
First class graduate in Mathematical economics and statistics.
27K single income house with retired father

if any of these help

2

Most US Masters programs do not provide fellowship funding as they are often viewed as cash cows by their respective universities. Most fellowship funding is reserved for PhD students.

A reason why some grad students who want a free Masters degree get it by applying and getting admitted to fully funded PhD programs and bail sometime after their oral/written exams(2-3 years into the program) as admittedly unsavory as this practice is to some…especially Profs/advisors.

One foreign language fellowship some grad students I knew at Columbia used to get partial funding is only open to US citizens. Also, for one to be covered under this fellowship, one must be taking the equivalent of 3rd year or higher level in a foreign language considered critical such as Mandarin Chinese.

Out of curiosity, what are your reasons for pursuing an MA in Global Thought at Columbia?

How much would the Msc in African Development at the LSE cost?

3

I doesn’t sound like you can afford Columbia. As noted above, getting funding is unlikely. If LSE is an affordable alternative go that route.

4

LSE is a “good school”, as we say in the US. If it’s significantly less expensive to go to LSE, then go there.

You can talk directly to the grad program at Columbia to find out what sources of funding other international masters students have used.

5

I personally don’t agree that Columbia has a better brand name than LSE. It would depend on region, but they are on the same tier, IMO.