unfunded ranked school vs. funded unranked?

[amandaaimeparis]

I'm trying to make a decision between two schools and was wondering what people's opinions were.

One school is ranked (not top ten, but solid top 50) but can't offer any funding for the first year other than in-state tuition, although they cite many opportunities once you get there. It was one of my top choices to begin with and I really want to go, it's a great fit.

The second school is unranked but is offering full funding, tuition waiver, decent stipend, health insurance.

Basically I'm conflicted between the two statements I've always heard about getting your ph.d.-follow the money or go to the best school you get into? I have no debt from undergrad and am not opposed to taking out some loans for grad school if I have to.

But in the end, which is more important? funding or ranking?

[irishfan11]

What schools are you talking about? You can PM me if you want to keep it off the record.

Follow the money.

[digits2006]

Follow the money. Just because you go to an unranked school doesnt mean you wont get a job. It all comes down to how much work you do in grad school. It would be much nicer when you get your PhD to have no debt. Go for the money.

[APGradApplicant]

PM me with specific names and I'll be happy to offer advice. This is way too vague and overbroad to answer without more information.

Edited March 24, 2010 by APGradApplicant

[Mearsheimer's Minion]

A "top 50" school isn't worth going to without funding. Top 10, maybe. Top 50, no. No school between 30-50 will be able to land you a job that can get you out of debt in any meaningful time frame.

[lifesurfer]

i agree with the rest of the folks who replied. unless your unfunded school of choice is in the top 5-10 and they pretty much guarantee funding after the first year, getting into debt to get a phd is not rational. best to aim to excel where you've been offered full funding than to get in debt and end up having to deal with the harsh realities of the job market afterwards. plenty of political science students from top 10 schools, harvard included, did not land a job last year. good luck!