How do SMU/Perkins & Iliff compare?

[Postbib Yeshuist]

I'm wait-listed at SMU and accepted at Iliff. Iliff is likely to offer tuition while SMU could possibly come through with tuition+stipend (if I get off the wait-list, that is). Some insight into how they compare might make my decision a bit easier.

[ReluctantTheo]

My impression and from what I have heard is definitely that Perkins/SMU has the stronger program in general, but I don't know about specific areas within necessarily, because there the strength could vary. That being said, I don't know when they'll decide about the waitlist, but if you're having to reject the Iliff offer before you hear about SMU, I wouldn't wait it out. What would you do if Iliff was the only place you got in and they only offered you 30% tuition and refused your request for deferral? I appreciated your comments on my post about this last week. Next's year's just no gaurantee right, and I'm in a good enough financial situation (no debt, pretty good savings) to where I could "make it work" despite my reluctance. Still, in principle, rule of thumb, I'm thinking no.