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Please help! I have 2 real choices for my PhD in ECE (ideally computer architecture): UIUC - Pros: * Top-ranked program * RA-funded by a professor with a good relationship UIUC - Cons: * Girlfriend will not be around * Isolated, small town + cold weather * Research offer is not exactly what I imagined doing, possibly unenjoyable (.NET) software development University of Maryland - Pros: * Girlfriend will be around. * Better weather, near D.C., near family University of Maryland - Cons: * Funding is via a TA offer; no promising research leads yet (not too concerned) * Also did my undergrad here The girlfriend (of many years) is a significant enough issue that I'm already leaning toward UMD, even though I understand that UIUC is a better school. I just can't imagine leaving her for UIUC, or that I would be happy and productive without her. Please, any thoughts? Anyone else in a similar situation and choose the lesser-ranked school?

I've narrowed it down to these two schools, but the decision is difficult: UMD is where I did my undergrad, and so I imagined going elsewhere to continue my studies. On the other hand, They have made me a good financial offer, and I don't expect that I would have to take out loans. I know that I can enjoy living near this campus, and feel that I would be valued there. UIUC is clearly generally a more prestigious institution (especially for my intended area), but did not offer any support at all. I'm not yet in contact with any of the professors here. I plan to visit the campus shortly, but I don't expect to particularly hate or love it. Finally, there is the issue of a potential long-distance relationship, which is what I would incur if I went away to Illinois. I'm not sure that I would be happy and productive without her :-/ My instinct now is to just accept UMD's offer, but I'm worried that I'm just choosing the comfortable option. Is it nuts to turn down UIUC? Is it nuts to go into debt for a PhD? (I have heard some say this.) Are there any other criteria I should consider? I would GREATLY appreciate any thought, especially from those in related fields!