I have been accepted to doctoral programs at both UNC-ChapelHill and Ohio State (Dept of AEDE) . While I find both the offers tempting, I am having a hard time deciding between these two schools. I am planning to study Development and Regional/International Economics.
Ranking/reputation: While Department of Economics at both of these schools are close in terms of rankings(OSU slightly higher) , it is difficult to compare Applied Economics department at OSU with Department of Economics at UNC. AEDE at OSU works closely with Dept of Econ but it may not have the same reputation in the job market as the main Econ Dept. One information about AEDE ranking I found online was from national research council where they ranked the department top in Agriculture and Resource Econmics.
Stipened: OSU has higher stipened (24k) compared to UNC (20k 1st year. 15-16k year 2-5) with similar amount of work load as graduate assistant.
Living: I have never been to either Columbus or Chapel Hill but from what I have heard Chapel Hill is a way better place to live than Columbus.
Attrition/Retention Rates: It is very difficult to find these numbers. However, UNC admit around 16-20 students each year and their placement records show only 9-10 students each year. Does this mean half of the students who started the program either left or were forced out to leave the program? OSU AEDE I believe admit around 14 students and they have good placement records with 9-10 students each year.
I have also heard that some Schools (idk if that includes UNC) admit more students and only pass 50-60 % in the prelims. All the other students are forced out of the program after first year. If this is true, Should I try to find out about this number at both UNC and OSU and give this factor a thought before deciding.
Please provide any information that might help me decide between these schools. Also, if you were in my shoes, what would you choose ?