First, thanks for reading, and any advice you may have to offer.
I've applied to and been accepted to two programs in Educational Measurement, and I'm having a very difficult time trying to decide between the two schools. Details for each follow.
University of Washington, Measurement, Statistics, and Research Design
guaranteed RA position for first year, in line with my research interests. likely RA and TA positions in future years, but cannot be guaranteed for whole time.
My masters is from UW, and I worked well with the person who would be my advisor (though they were not my master's advisor)
University of Minnesota, Quantitative Methods in Education
guaranteed funding for all PhD students
seem to have good rapport with potential advisor
At either school, my advisor shares at least some of my research interests. Also, each potential advisor seems to do a good job of making sure their advisees get the right experience for their CV for jobs/internships. From what I've been able to discover, the funding package is very similar--covers all tuition, and a stipend of roughly 20k per academic year, health insurance.
I've already lived in Seattle and absolutely loved it. I also did my masters there, so I am familiar with the department, the school, etc. I think at this point I'm probably leaning towards going back to UW, but I have a nagging feeling that I might be missing out on a big opportunity with Minnesota.
I think I'm looking for two different kinds of advice:
1) if you happen to know about this field or these programs, what would you have to say about the benefits of each school?
2) if you aren't in this field, how would (did) you go about making you choice of which school to attend?
Thank you in advance for any advice you might have! Also I'm working out my thoughts about this as I write, so please let me know if there is anything I can clarify.