stopthebeep

Hi guys, I really need some advice because I have been doing circles around myself and asking literally anybody within my vicinity regarding my dilemma. I got my BS in Microbiology and my MPH in Epidemiology, but my true passion is bioterrorism and biodefense. With this in mind, I applied to a list of schools with a focus in infectious disease/highly pathogenic agent quarantine/bioterrorism and I got accepted to 2 offers. 1) UNMC: PhD in Epidemiology (School of Public Health) - Omaha, Nebraska Funded fellowship/assistantship with a great stipend Advisor is infectious disease focused Omaha is very affordable (especially with the stipend) and the program has lots of great professors who have a background in my interests 2) George Mason University: PhD in Biodefense (School of Policy and Government) - Fairfax, Virgina (D.C) Got accepted really late (like May 20th late) No funding whatsoever (they already gave RAships away) Potential advisor has a background in bioterrorism, WMD, international relations, etc. Possibly fantastic networking due to the location of the school So expensive to live nearby (>$1600 a month for a single apartment) , possible commute from a nearby city or from Maryland Estimated ~$200K out of pocket if I add out of state tuition/living costs for 4 years So my concern is primarily the funding. I've been researching and despite what friends and family say about how fantastic D.C is (both for networking and the city itself is a joy), I don't know if I can justify paying SO much to fully fund myself through this degree. Of course, I would look into external scholarships/fellowships and jobs while I'm doing my PhD, but despite my financial concerns, I am genuinely worried that rejecting a PhD that is specific to this niche field from GMU (with such great networking) would make me kick myself in the future. Do you guys have any opinions on these two schools or programs? Do you have any advice regarding accepting an offer with no funding? Is GMU sending me a late admission with no funding an indication that they just need someone to pad their fees due to COVID? Any and all advice are very much appreciated !