Corsette

I'm not sure how helpful you'd find this but... as I read what you wrote I had a feeling you truly do prefer department A over department B. I pretty much felt you're telling me that you'd be an overall happier person if you were in department A. But perhaps this dilemma of missing out the other option, which is also very attractive for you, stops you from seeing it clearly. Ask yourself if what I wrote here actually makes sense or if I'm completely wrong. It might help you make your mind up. I mean, I attended last APSA and I spoke with quite a few professors who ended up telling me how unhappy they were while working on their dissertation (some even confessed they did not like their dissertation by the time they finished it just because they had to change it so much from their original idea, etc.). So I, personally, as one who believes a happy person is not only happier but more productive and better capable of crafting his/her own future, I'd say go to where you believe you'd be happier at. 
Anyhow, best of wishes.

I agree with this 100%. From the way my primary advisor commented about being on admission committees, there is so much that goes on beyond just traditional measurements. It also needs to be considered which subfield has dominance on the committee, one year will be one way, the next it could be entirely different. There is also the problem with potential backroom trading--I take your student, you take mine.  

I am praying some of you who have no acceptances and are feeling desperate will receive a surprise last-minute fully funded offer. Jah bless...

I feel your pain, I’m still waiting on rejection from Vanderbilt and any form of notification for Pittsburgh. 

So they're saying they hope to distribute decisions this week according to the Enrollment officer I contacted, I left a message for the POI I was in contact with as well. I totally agree with you because Pitt was the only program I applied to and saw myself at, don't want to be passed over or overlooked by rejections from high-tier M.Ed programs, best of luck to you as well.

Ouch, that seems risky from a retention point. I can see the benefits from potential gaining students who were rejected from top tier programs, but they risk competing against other mid-tier programs that will already have had a chance to "court" candidates. Well good luck to those still awaiting. 

I’ve been offered full scholarship to MAPSS, acceptances at University of Maryland and Syracuse. Thank you for your recommendation. 

If the higher ranked institution hasn't shown you any red flags then it's simple, attend it. Otherwise, consider that it's five years and a happy environment at a lower ranked school might make that time (given the constraints/stressors you outline) a much better experience.