Yup you are right. My mother in law works at SU and she said that the department chair at SU makes all funding decisions. And that if they really want you there is plenty of money. Setting up a meeting with the department chair is always helpful too. My husband got into CUA in DC.. and he is meeting with the department chair next week to ask about funding. SO we are driving from NY all the way to DC.. just seek this out... it will be worth it if he gets funded. We are from Syracuse, NY.