Help me decide: Applied Math: Portland State University versus UC Merced

[Semester Photon]

So here is yet another help me decide post. What happened was that I wasn't admitted into my dream school, and that's okay. However, I didn't spend as much time researching the other schools that I applied to, so now I'm not really sure what to do. I got into Portland State University, UC Merced, and UH Manoa. UH Manoa hasn't offered me funding, but since they are on spring break, I won't be able to email them and ask until next week. My SO is going with me when I move, and he works at home so he can keep his job. However, he doesn't particularly like his job, so he wants to find something different.

Here's the breakdown of Portland State University.

What they offered: 12.6K teaching assistantship (intensive, I would be teaching a low-level mathematics class). It's only guaranteed for the first year, but they did say that they make an effort to renew them.

Pros:

Portland is an awesome city.

I know people in the area.

Better job opportunities for my SO.

Great public transportation. (Important because I would prefer not to pay for a car.)

I was one of their first round picks, and I feel like I would get a lot of attention at the program.

Cons:

Uncertain funding over the next four years.

They waive out of state tuition, but I would still have to pay in state tuition.

I would not be able to keep my health coverage if I became a resident of Oregon. (Important because I have a condition.)

Important note: If I decided on a different university, I would have to contact Portland and ask permission to rescind my acceptance.

And Here's the info about UC Merced:

What they offered: 17.6K teaching assistantship or graduate research assistanship guaranteed for four years. $1,000 award for "school expenses" upon my enrollment in the program. Tuition and health care covered by the university.

Pros:

Lower cost of living in Merced.

Closer to "home."

SO could go down to half time at his current job, and focus on some of his personal projects.

I could keep my current insurance (if I chose to).

I actually know a couple of the students in the program from undergrad (although not well).

Cons:

Merced is a kinda nothing town. (I live in a kinda nothing town, so I'm used to it).

High unemployment, so SO wouldn't have as good of job opportunities.

Closer to "home."

Both programs are newer programs with a similar emphasis on interdisciplinary work. On paper, they look very similar. I have someone I'm planning to talk to about Merced's program (past acquaintance), but I have no one similar to ask about Portland. I want to go into academia (more teaching than reasearch) after I graduate or get a job in industry. Going to Merced would definitely be easier financially. Do you guys think that I should go to Merced and rescind my acceptance at Portland (possibly burning some bridges in the process)? Or do you think that the benefits of Portland are worth the additional cost?

Edited March 29, 2012 by Semester Photon

[nari27]

Go with Portland State! Portland is an awesome town and there is plenty to do there! I would keep your state residency so that they don't cancel your insurance. BTW UH Manoa might be on spring break, but the faculty should be on campus. They were closed on Monday for a local state holiday. I spoke with someone from a program that I was admitted to on Tuesday. Also try email, they are ususally pretty fast. Manoa doesn't usually give funding. I guess they figure the good weather here makes up for it. Congrats on being admitted to your programs and good luck!

[OldGrad2012]

IF UC Merced give you more funding and it is closer to home, then go with UC Merced. It is still a relatively new UC schools so it does not compare with the other UCs, but at least it is a UC school. UC schools are considerd a public Ivy schools so it has its reputation. Even though Portland is a great city because I visited OHSU and I love the public transportation there. It is considered more expensive than Merced, since Portland State is uncertain about your funding for the next four years, I would be nervous to go there. You should asked them whether your funding is guaranteed or not. Thanks

[OldGrad2012]

I myself must decide over UC Riverside and Washington State even though UC Riverside is a lower ranked UC compared to the other UCs.

[Semester Photon]

Thank you everyone for your responses. I'm leaning towards UC Merced at the moment. I will talk to my contact there first though.