So here is the deal - I have been accepted to both programs, and now I have to decide which one. I am in NYC so Marist is well known to me, and there MPA program is out of the School of Management. Northwestern is a great school based in Illinois, there MPPA program is out of the School of Continuing Studies. Any suggestions.
Well, I would choose Northwestern University for their reputation. Besides, I rather to have "University" in my diploma than "College."
Marist is a great school, however their tuition is over 2k per class... It ended up being too much for me, but hey - if you can afford it I'd say go for it. The school has a great rep, especially on the East Coast.
You might want to consider looking at the NASPAA list for an online MPA program. NASPAA schools Online Programs If a non NASPAA program isn't a concern I would go with Northwestern. Marist does have NASPAA for their online MPA and is a great school but isn't comparable to Northwestern, unless the additional accreditation is important.
If you can afford it, go for big-name Northwestern and its NASPAA-accredited program. I don't think anyone's going to care which department or school of that university you took your classes from.