WSU vs UBC vs SFU (History MA) vs work

[history110]

Hi all! So out of all the schools I've been accepted to so far, University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser, and Washington State University look like the best (based on funding, etc). Vancouver is obviously a more expensive place to live (like yikes) but has cheaper tuition, both gave me decent funding so I'd be taking a 1-2 thousand out of pocket at the most. 

Does anyone have any insights into the schools in general/history programs? 

I also have a job -- it's a nonprofit but I've had it for about 3 years, since undergrad and my role is only growing (managing a resource library, turning that into a scholarly journal, etc) and it's with lovely people. I can't help but wonder if it'd be safer to stay with it. I could see myself with a MA looking for the exact same type of job -- I mean, last year we had a PhD applying for my coworker's job!  However, my other concern is if we ever lost funding (very unlikely to happen in the near future due to a multiyear grant, but we are tiny and there have been scary moments in the past), etc, that a lack of a MA would hold me back from applying for jobs in history/related fields. I also would enjoy doing research during an MA. I have no plans for a PhD. That all being said, my job has been lovely and offered for me to work remote and the schools are close enough that I could come down occasionally for some events/work in person in the summer.  

One idea I have to take an offer, but reject the TAship and keep the fellowship, and keep my job remotely (which makes way more than a TAship). That still leaves me with a choice between UBC, SFU and WSU.

 

Edited March 13, 2020 by starshiphistory

[history110]

Slight update, but it's really between UBC and SFU (and maybe work) rather than WSU now.

[Paulcg87]

On 3/17/2020 at 11:59 AM, starshiphistory said:

Slight update, but it's really between UBC and SFU (and maybe work) rather than WSU now.

@starshiphistory if it's only between UBC and SFU, please go to UBC. It is better in every way. First and foremost, UBC has a better reputation both in BC and in Canada. UBC is also better known outside of Canada, and if you are American or intend to pursue a PhD in the USA or UK, UBC is ranked significantly higher in literally every publication (USNWR, THE, QS, etc). UBC has the better location and more beautiful campus; it is on the ocean (with direct access to beaches), adjacent to West Point Grey and Kitsilano, and the latter community is one of the liveliest, coolest parts of Vancouver. SFU is in Burnaby, which is... let's just say, none of the things that Kitsilano is. UBC is also significantly wealthier; its endowment is about 5 times SFU's and this means more funding for everything from facilities to talent. 

Seriously, unless you have an incredible fit with the department at SFU that you just don't have at UBC, or UBC will be significantly more expensive for you to attend, then this is not a contest. 

[history110]

@Paulcg87 Thank you for you response! That sort of confirms a lot of thoughts I have about it. While everyone at SFU is very sweet,  I have pretty much come to the decision that UBC is overall just a better choice for the things you said (and the advisers I'm assigned there would be pretty amazing as well).