Winner of both NSF GRFP and NASA STGRO - how to select the correct one?

[juserulo]

Hello all. I wasn't sure where to post this. I hope you can help.

I was awarded both the NSF GRFP and the NASA Space Technology Graduate Research Opportunity to begin in Fall 2020. NSF GRFP is for three years (34K + 12K per year) and NASA NSTGRO (80K per year which includes a yearly stipend of 36K) is for four years. I know that I can only select one (unless I am wrong - still doing the research as I just received notice from NASA). Has anyone been in this situation? I know that this is sort of a major life decision as choosing NSF may eventually lead to a potential academic career and choosing NSTGRO may lead to a career at NASA. 

Also, have you been in the same situation in terms of funding? Were you able to stack fellowships? 

I would appreciate any tips on how to deal with this. 

 

Thanks!

[LazarusRises]

Unless I'm missing something, the NASA offer seems strictly better. 34k + 12k * 3yrs = 70k, while NASA is paying out 320k total. Easy choice! Even if I misunderstood and the NSF award is 56k * 3yrs, the NASA award is almost double. 

[GameOFScience818]

Definitely the NASA offer. You can put NSF GRFP Fellowship Recipient [Declined] on your CV.