GATech vs UIUC Mechanical engineering PhD (Biomechanics Topic)

[Mohamed Ibrahim]

I am an international graduate student, my plan is to have an academic career. I have been accepted to both Georgia Tech and UIUC for the Mechanical Engineering Ph.D. program with subfield in biomechanics. The offer from UIUC is quite competitive as it guarantees 5-year funding, while the offer from GATech is only 1 year with the intention for renewal. Both are almost the same stipend However Atlanta is much more expensive. I like the research point in GATech and the group more than that in UIUC. I really can't make a decision. especially I am worried about the availability of funding in GATech as COVID-19 might impact the economy.

1-I would like to ask for your opinion about both universities because QS ranking places GAtech significantly ahead of UIUC while in US News they are almost equal.
2-I feel the stipend at UIUC will make my life better and the city of Atlanta will also make my life more interesting and energetic, what do you think?
3- Is the guaranteed 5-year funding much better than the 1-year contract.

Thanks

Edited April 7, 2020 by Mohamed Ibrahim
spelling mistake