Money Vs Top School

[Pavilion]

I am going for a graduate degree in Environmental Engineering. I am currently debt-free and doing really well in a tier 3/4 undergraduate institute.

All the top schools UCB, UIUC, and GA Tech (except Stanford) takes me, though put me in MS and with no funding. However, my undergrad institute decides to give me a 4 years fellowship ($32 grands each year) for PhD.

Money is good; but I also want to go to those top school - which will do me good in the future.

I am inclined toward top school. If you were me, what would you do...

[jlee306]

Personally, if I were you, I would go to your undergrad institute that is offering you money. Obviously you choose your undergrad university because you think it is a great school, so why not stay? Because I don't know much about your area of study, I have no clue if top school names matter in the field when you start your career. But it seems that most people don't really care where you went, as long as you have the knowledge.

[origin415]

Search for some salary statistics for environmental engineers, how long would it take you to pay back the debt? More importantly, is an MS from a top school really going to out earn a PhD? It could very well turn out to not be worth it.

[Postbib Yeshuist]

Keep in mind that a degree from a Tier 3/4 institution has a high probably of translating into a "Tier 3/4" job, at least for your first and second positions. A PhD is all about pushing the boundaries of known scholarship. Though I certainly don't wish to disparage your institution, ask yourself what it means if the "big boys" won't even give you money for a Master's while your school is tripping over itself to get you into the PhD program. You might (and you might not) regret not pushing to the highest of highs. In the end, it's your decision and we all trust you to make the right choice for yourself. Just be sure you've really considered all the possibilities.