Accepting offer from low-ranked school?

[hyperjulie]

I suppose this won't really affect my decision much, especially since this is only hypothetical, but say that I am accepted to two programs, one which is much higher ranked than the other. However, the smaller one is also very strong in the niche area of research that I am into, and the professors are highly published including in well-regarded journals, although the program itself isn't really on the radar. Aside from the better research match than some other programs, this program is really excited to have me in particular. The smaller program is also in a much better location at which my stipend will go a long way and I will also have much smaller travel and moving expenses.

Assuming I have funding at both, and the comparative amounts are not an issue, is it foolish to choose the lesser ranked program? This is really how I am leaning at this moment (in the hypothetical of course - I may ONLY be accepted into this one program). The location is much better, and the professors at the program have secured some pretty significant projects in the field and have many publications. Also, their graduates have really decent placements in teaching positions (tenure track and otherwise) or post-docs. That being said, the other programs are somewhat bigger names in their disciplines, but for some reason I'm just not feeling them as much...

Any advice or reactions?

[emmm]

I think the program has to feel right to you. Maybe you are sensing something about the higher ranked programs that is making you feel uncomfortable on some level. The smaller program sounds good from what you've said. The placement info would be really important to me, and you say that's good. Can you visit (revisit) schools once your decisions are all in? That might help you decide.Congrats on your admission!