Re: Northwestern
One of the most engaging, interesting, intelligent and inspiring professors I've ever had went there. She also used to take part in "tableaux vivants" type things there. Sounds cool.
I've been told point blank by professors never to accept an offer with no funding because it means they don't want you badly enough. Are you guaranteed funding by second year or do you have to compete? They're offering other students right now at least 56k for 5 years (tuition, stipend, misc) plus they're still negotiating with them.