Columbia or Indiana? Prestige vs. Price

[TvS]

I got admitted to two excellent MA programmes in East Asian Studies at both Columbia and Indian Bloomington. However, none offered any financial assistance (but Indiana did put me on a wait list for financial assistance, although I doubt I will get any). Columbia, obviously, is much more expensive than Indiana but also more prestigious and actually was my number one choice. I just don't know if it's really worth it in the long run if I choose Columbia because there is no guarantee that I will get financial assistance in my second year. Also, I am planning on pursuing a PhD afterwards, which will only add to the costs, and, since I am planning on becoming a professor eventually, I know I won't be making hundreds of thousands per year to pay off my debt. I am torn though, and I find it difficult to let go of my first choice . . . I mean, afterall, it's freakin' Columbia!

[fuzzylogician]

I understand that it's hard to walk away from your top choice, but I'll try and be the voice of reason here. Given that your goal is a PhD and an academic career, the question you need to ask yourself is whether or not Indiana can give you the training that you will need in order to be admitted to a top PhD program. If Indiana has good advisors and can support your research (=if it's a good fit), then I believe that you shouldn't be going into increased debt just to get a fancier name on your diploma. What will eventually get you admitted into a good school is your work, not (just) coming from a brand name university. If, however, Columbia offers significantly better resources/opportunities, which are likely to get you much better placement and funding as a PhD student, then I think the extra debt will be worth it in the long run.

[TvS]

I understand that it's hard to walk away from your top choice, but I'll try and be the voice of reason here. Given that your goal is a PhD and an academic career, the question you need to ask yourself is whether or not Indiana can give you the training that you will need in order to be admitted to a top PhD program. If Indiana has good advisors and can support your research (=if it's a good fit), then I believe that you shouldn't be going into increased debt just to get a fancier name on your diploma. What will eventually get you admitted into a good school is your work, not (just) coming from a brand name university. If, however, Columbia offers significantly better resources/opportunities, which are likely to get you much better placement and funding as a PhD student, then I think the extra debt will be worth it in the long run.

Thank you for your help. Indiana would probably be the better choice then. Indiana also offered me a deferral of 1-2 years, meaning that I could join their programme one year later. If I already am going the cheaper route, why shouldn't I make it even cheaper by working in Indiana for one year and becoming a state resident. I read that I can not become a state resident if my sole purpose for residing in Indiana is education, so if I work and don't go to school for a year, it should be fine, right?. I don't know much about those state residency requirements, but this is just a thought that popped into my head because it would save me 70% of my tuition, making it well worth a one year wait.

[cogneuroforfun]

Thank you for your help. Indiana would probably be the better choice then. Indiana also offered me a deferral of 1-2 years, meaning that I could join their programme one year later. If I already am going the cheaper route, why shouldn't I make it even cheaper by working in Indiana for one year and becoming a state resident. I read that I can not become a state resident if my sole purpose for residing in Indiana is education, so if I work and don't go to school for a year, it should be fine, right?. I don't know much about those state residency requirements, but this is just a thought that popped into my head because it would save me 70% of my tuition, making it well worth a one year wait.

As far as state residency goes, I think most places just have a box to check that says, 'I'm only here for education: Yes or No.' Check no and whatever your reason for moving, you'll be fine It would be great to be a resident, get a year's worth of salary, and pay much less in tuition. That will delay the start of your PhD for a year, but it is probably a good idea, financially.