cities

Hi all, I would love some advice on how to proceed with a decision. In April, I accepted a great offer to a master's programs that came with a GA which gives me nearly free tuition and a 15k stipend. The school is not within the top 25, and has a smaller program, meaning fewer professors who share my interests. But, it seems like somewhere that really wants me to attend, where I would get a lot of personal attention. Later in April I was accepted off the waitlist to a school that is the top 5 in that field.This school has many, many more faculty members whose interests match mine, and I have no doubt that going there would enable me much more choice as to type and location of job after school. It seems like a place that would be more intellectually stimulating rather than just teaching professional skills. I finally received information about funding, and it seems like it would be harder to attain since it is not guaranteed, but possible to get TA/RA positions, and they are giving me a fellowship award for the first semester. But this school would probably cost 45k more to attend. My first question is which decision sounds better? Does it make sense to take on more debt in the short-term for long-term gains? Additionally, if I do decide to accept the offer from the school I was originally waitlisted at, is there anything specific I need to do for the school I originally accepted at, other than write a very apologetic email? I never signed any official document accepting their offer, but I just paid my deposit and then emailed that I would be attending their school. Thank you in advance for the input!