gou2008

The top 10 one is up north. Small, but nice city, very cold. I heard the cost of living is not high. The top 21 is very close to an urban city. Good climate. The cost of living is probably higher. I prefer the second one in terms of location. I like urban settings with moderate climates.

I'm trying to choose between two PhD programs in mathematics. I don't want to give names. One of the programs is ranked in the top 10 by US News. Their financial offer is not very mind-blowing. The other program is ranked in the top 21. If you asked anybody, they would say the first program is way better. However, the second one is offering a fellowship with a nice stipend. I'm pretty sure I would be happy at both places academically. If you know all the math programs in the top 21, you know that they are all great places, and you can't really make a bad decision. So, for me, it is only a question of better reputation vs. better financial offer. What would you say?