If you read the title and laughed a bit, please understand that I am not trying to compare the prestige of the two schools. What I am trying to decide is which program is more appropriate for me.

I am currently finishing an MBA and I work full time. I am considering one of these two schools for an LL.M. I have contacted both universities and provided some basic profile information and both expressed a willingness to allow me to study despite not having a law degree. Perhaps my undergraduate degree in Public Policy helps...but I'm not sure. I want to continue studying for an additional year post MBA to attain an LL.M. in International Business Law (or something similar such as trade or economic law).

The point is this. Leiden is obviously more prestigeous, but if I am not planning to practice law will the prestige of Leiden matter much? I already live close enough to Saarbruken where I can commute via train without having to relocate. I would have to reduce my work schedule, but I could continue to work in Germany. The program at the Europa Institute is also much cheaper.

Thinking like an economist, the Leiden program seems to have a very high opportunity cost in my situation. Studying at Leiden would likely require me to incure substantial debt where as I could finish the program at the Europa institute and have two Master's degrees and zero debt. Would the additional cost really be worth it in the long run?

What are your future plans?

If you want to work in the field of public policy, for example, Leiden's brand name could very well influence your prospects. If you plan to work as an economist, Leiden might not be known as being more renowned than Saarbrücken.

By the way, Europa Institute is also rather renowned and respected. I probably wouldn't give away a good life for Leiden.

My advice would be - stay in Saarbrucken. Maybe Leiden has a better image but that's really not everthing that matters. Especially since it's not clear what you want to do in the future (after your studies), the opportunity costs of studying in Leiden are too high in my opinion. Only go there if you know that you will definitely profit from it.

Thank you for the advice.

I'm leaning towards Saarbruken at the moment, but my wife seems to think Leiden would be a better option. She saw how excited I was about the program at Leiden when I applied and said that I shouldn't settle for Saarbruken just for convenience.

There is a chance that I may qualify for the Leiden Excellence Scholarship which would pay for the program (I have applied for it and have my fingers crossed). There are also other part time or telecommuting opportunities for work which might limit the financial impact.

I have a lot of thinking to do. For the time being, I will apply to both programs and see which one accepts me. If I am accepted at both, then I can revisit this dilemma.