So, I’ve narrowed down my choices between 2 schools.
Financially, School A. is giving me more $tipend (about 2000 more per year), and housing is cheaper there. They are a bigger name and higher ranked in in my field (like top 20 Chem Engineering on multiple lists) than B.
School B has a prettier local (State A is very flat, and is kinda depressing looking). They are a decent state school and they are much closer to my current location, which would make the move significatly easier.
I think there are a few more professors at A than at B that I would be interested in working with, but School B is offering me a fellowship.
I would be a bit concerned that the caliber of students at School A would be higher and it would be harder for me to get to do research with the particular professors I would want, whereas though there are less options at School B the fellowship basically gives me the ability to work with whoever I want, so I don’t have to worry as much, and there are some interesting professors at school B.
I am really torn between these two programs. I’ve had good visits at both and keep going back and forth. Is the chance at going to a more well known university with potentially more opportunities worth passing up on the fellowship at a lower ranked states chool that is in a better location for me?
And suggestions/advice?