EnglishPhD88

Hi gyus! I've narrowed my admission offers down to two, but can't seem to be able to go any further in my decision making process. In the absence of any sharp contrasts in terms of the caliber of the professors and the "fit" factor, the funding package offered by each is beginning to assume a pretty huge role. UW-Madison offers a stipend of $20,000 (with no teaching duties for the first year as I'll be on fellowship) while U-M offers a stipend of $27,000 (with no teaching duties in years 1 and 5 thanks to an even more generous fellowship). I'd hate to be overwhelmed by the funding aspect of the equation and make a rash decision. Does anyone have some relevant insight to offer? I'd really appreciate having your opinion on this "UW-Madison vs UMich" question. (I've found a few pro-con type of evaluations of both universities but none concerned graduate programs and had more to do with undergrad studies.) At this point, any kind of advice would be helpful. Thank you! p.s. My intended field of study is 20th-century and contemporary American poetry, just in case.