MSW @ University of Washington-Seattle or Wisconsin-Madison

[onemillionone]

Have applied to few MSW programs across the states, so far I got admitted by the Univ. of Washington-Seattle and the Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison. I am still waiting for UC-Berkeley.

My immediate post-graduation goal is to work with immigrants (especially Asians), hopefully concentrating on community development or clinical social work. My ultimate goal is to get a PhD and be a researcher in the field.

I know both schools are excellent and I am thrilled I have been admitted. Studying in Seattle has been my dream, but Wisconsin-Madison is also prestigious and, tuition-wise, much cheaper. At the same time, I heard to be considered for top PhD programs, where you study for MSW is becoming increasingly important.

(Please note that I am an international student and not eligible for any federal loans or most of the scholarship programs.)

Would it be better to save and go to Wisconsin - or go to Washington-Seattle (and if admitted, Berkeley) higher in the US news ranking? Do you think the rank will eventually impact my PhD application in the future? Any tips or advice?