should I go to a small program without full fundings in the first year?

[jennyshaw228]

Hi there, I got a PhD offer this year and really hope to receive some suggestions. The supervisor has a big name in my field and she is super nice. We have a great research fit! Also, the location is quite good. However, the program is pretty small (only 3 faculty members and they only send 1-2 PhD offers each year) and the fundings can't be guaranteed. My supervisor told me I will get 6-month RA support and 9-month tuition waiver in the first year. It will depend on my progress to get different types of fundings in the next 4 years. 

Does anyone have some opinions? Thx a lot!!