mr.oykot

I have been accepted to two Ph.D programs so far and deciding which one I should attend. Or I should say, I am debating if I should just follow my heart... I'll list pros and cons about the two programs below: School A (Small Private University) Funding - R.A. ($20,000/year) + Tuition ($10,000) for 2 years (ALL from my POA's research grant) [pros] - My potential advisor and his research group's research best fit my research background and interests - Potential advisor is well regarded in his research areas - Potential advisor is very easy going and considerate (based on phone and email conversations) - Relatively less coursework which allows me to advance to candidacy quickly while being able to spend more time on research - Small Program (Low Faculty-Student Ratio) - School location and weather [cons] - Tuition costs about $35,000/year (!) so my funding cannot even cover my tuition - Living cost - School reputation not as good as School B School B (Large Public University) Funding - R.A. ($10,000/year) + Full Tuition Waiver OR Instructorship (Not T.A., 12,000/year) with Full Tuition Waiver OR No Funding (still possible) [pros] - School Reputation - Living Cost (very cheap) & No debt - Large Program (Alumni Network) [cons] - Not sure if I'm a good fit for the program - No interest in the assigned advisor's research. Will need to find a new advisor - Heavy course load - Teach 3 classes/year, if teaching position given - School location & weather.... Obviously, School A is my top choice and I really raelly want to go; however, as everyone will surely point out, I am afraid of going to a Ph.D w/o full funding (Just FYI, I have no debt on CC, Cars, Mortgage, Educational Loan, etc.) Well, considering the amount my PA is willing to give me from his own grant (RA for $20,000 + Tuition $10,000), the financial package from School A is not that too bad, I believe. But, neither the University nor the department can waive my tuitions..... Do you guys think I would be stupid should I just follow my heart, while having a chance of fully funded from School B? Or is it wise to take an offer from School B? Any inputs/advice/opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.