Religious Studies: Boston University vs. Syracuse

[Tsuroyu]

So I've got great funded offers of admission from both schools. Both are pretty good places for philosophy of religion, especially the sort of continental philosophy that I do. I also do religious epistemology.

I feel like both departments could support my research interests pretty well, and both have a strong selection of potential advisors. What makes the decision tough (and I almost feel guilty that I'm finding this to be so important) is my quality of life at the two locations.

Syracuse wants to give me a little more money than BU (about 2000 more per year), and is a less expensive place to live... much less. So I could have a larger place, maybe have a yard for my dog, and even get another dog (which i've been wanting to do for some time). My finances would just be a lot less restrictive here.

Boston offers a little less money, and is much more expensive. I'll be living in a smaller apartment, almost certainly no yard. On the other hand, the city of Boston seems much more exciting than Syracuse, and there is the Boston Theological Institute, which will allow me to take classes and dissertation readers from any of the member schools, including Boston College, Harvard, and several seminaries in the area. That's a pretty beefy academic perk.

How much weight do you guys generally give to your quality of life in making your decisions? Part of me thinks that I should be looking entirely at the academic situation to make my decision (assuming I can afford to meet my basic needs), which would seem to suggest Boston, in this case. But the other part of me feels like living in Syracuse for much less would be less stressful for the next 5+ years while I'm working on the damn thing.

I'd love to hear some opinions Thanks in advance.

[Joncantarero]

Is this for the arts and sciences degree or STH for Boston? I got into BU as well and we'll be attending. I think as far as reputation is concerned this particular area, BU seems to have a slight advantage, although you can't go wrong either way. If the cost is only a few thousand, then spread over 5 years its really not that much. I'm also looking forward to the fact that BU is part of the Boston Theological Institute, great professors at HDS and Newton as well as BC.

I may be biased with favoring BU but as far as weight of living quality, both will be great experiences. However, with the job market right now (assuming you'd like to teach), academics are everything. In any case, congrats and best of luck!!!