How to pick a program

[attrapereves]

I've been accepted to a few MA programs, but I've narrowed it down to two. One program is at a larger school that is rather well known across the nation. They offered me a decent assistantship and tuition waiver. However, a smaller school accepted me and offered a tuition waiver and assistantship. This school isn't known outside of the state, but it has a good reputation within the state. The only difference is that the smaller school offered me less money, about $200 less per month.

As of right now, I am leaning towards the smaller school because it's in a small town, the program is smaller, and I prefer the location of the university. However, I can't get over the difference in stipend amounts. I feel like if I were to pick the larger program, I would be doing so only because of the larger stipend.

How did you pick a graduate program? What would you do in my situation? Would you forget about the money?

[Safferz]

I would go with the money.

[abc123xtc]

You should go with your gut, but...

If the larger school is better known and is giving you more money, it does seem like the better option.

[rising_star]

Ummm... go with the place where you can have the best advisor and the best committee. Go to the place that gives you conference funding and has support for doing whatever research you need. I'm sort of perplexed that you don't mention anything but money in location in your post, OP.

[nsadraz]

the name of the school matters. pick the one that everyone knows about.

[MEB05]

Is the cost of living less at the smaller school? That could explain the difference in assistantship amount.