$30K isn’t the worst amount of debt- but it will still be challenging, given how poorly paid entry level jobs are in your fields of interest. Note also that an MPA w/o work experience is going to qualify you for pretty much the same salary as the BA/BS.
I think that you have rose-colored glasses on for the shiny new away thing v the hometown girl/boy, which is very human and understandable. Just be honest with yourself about it, v trying to justify it as objectively better.