Dream program without funding or reapply?

[CSC]

Accept dream program without first year funding or decline/defer and apply to more programs?

On a whim, I applied to two PhD programs after completing only the first quarter of my masters. I did get accepted to my dream program but without first year funding. While I could hopefully secure funding in the subsequent years, there is no guarantee. Its out-of-state so first year tuition alone would cost me ~$14k to attend just part time. And if I didnt receive tuition waivers for the following years, I would be looking at another ~$22k. Living expensive would be below the national average.

The alternative is to decline, or defer if possible, and apply to more programs after I complete my MS degree shortly. My applications would be also be much more competitive then. There are several international programs I could apply to over the summer before starting next years round of domestic apps.

Im leaning towards the latter option but would appreciate any thoughts, comments, or suggestions.

[rising_star]

Depends. Have they given you any sense of whether funding might be available later in the summer or once you arrive in the fall? Do you know if there will be funding available for subsequent years even if you can't get funding for your first year? Are tuition waivers available even if you don't have an assistantship? I think you need to know the answers to all of these questions.