UT Austin vs Princeton vs Notre Dame?

[orcaVSmoose]

Sorry if this is a bad place for this! Choosing a Civil Engineering PhD program and wanted to get a quick read on any thoughtful internet strangers' opinions. I know having a supportive advisor is the #1 factor and I'm happy to say all 3 advisors fit that bill! I'll also add that, for reasons that aren't really worth going into, I could be close to my partner at Notre Dame or Princeton but not UT for year 1; after that first year they're down to move wherever.

UT: 9/10 research fit; 2 years "guaranteed" funding followed by 3 years "intended" funding; inexperienced advisor (he's a great guy tho); amazing city; best "ranked" civ eng program; tbh felt happiest when I visited but that year of long-distance wouldn't lend itself to happiness.

Princeton: 4/10 research fit, but I'd pick up strong CS skills and build relationships in engineering and social sciences; advisor is renowned but maybe lesso in my field of interest; "prestige" I guess but not as much for engineering; guaranteed funding (with a hefty stipend); I don't love the location. Gut vibe is that I'd be bored for 5 years but I'd probably live more comfortably and be better positioned at the end of it.

Notre Dame: 10/10 research fit; guaranteed funding; advisor is amazing and fairly well known; not a great engineering program; mixed feelings about the Catholicism + conservatism, don't love the lack of diversity; I don't love the location but my advisor says I could work remotely in Chicago and swing by campus once a week or so (though I worry impassable snowstorms might make that stressful, and i worry about how much I'd get out of a mostly remote PhD).

Big thanks to anyone who took the time to read this! I wish everyone the best of luck as this decisions cycle winds down <3

[Jacko-Dark]

Notre Dame.

[Aliyah7]

Based on what you wrote it's very close between Notre Dame and UT. Princeton is a no. Notre Dame has the experienced advisor and the opportunity for you to be with your SO, but UT has the better "ranking" and location. I think Notre Dame wins by a sliver of a margin here. Good luck and I trust you'll make the right decision!