I would not rush into an MPA. I went to NYU’s Wagner School in the 90s for my MPA in nonprofit management after working three years in public service. (I earned my undergrad degree at SU Maxwell.) At NYU, at least, most of the MPA students were older and working full time. Even though I was graduate school age, 25-26, I worked 40+ hour weeks and went to school at night and on weekends, graduating in the two years. I received a fellowship that covered 50% of tuition so luckily, I didn’t need to take on any debt.
I decided to get the degree because I applied for a management position with a nonprofit and they told me I didn’t have the experience. Less than two years after graduation, I was hired as executive director of a small nonprofit that was undergoing major changes, and now 30 years later, I’m the ED of a large, successful nonprofit.