NYU or Columbia for PhD in Biostatistics?

[DSWI338]

Dear all,

 

I've been recently admitted to NYU and Columbia for their PhD in Biostat programs. Columbia put me on waitlist for fellowship while NYU offered full financial support. Neither programs are top ones but given the competition this year and my credentials, these are the best I can get. My friends keep saying that Columbia has the better program and I probably will be funded the second year if not for the first year, as long as my grades, etc are good for the first year (not sure if this is true so please feel free to comment). I am not sure how worthy it is to spend money for Columbia and undergo the pressure of competing for funding when there is no guarantee. But I suppose the school's name will ultimately be an advantage that money can't equate.

 

Would love to hear your suggestions. Any advice will be most appreciated. Thank you.

[clamofee]

Congratulations! It's always good to have options, right? Is there a reason you are only considering schools in NYC at the moment?

 

When do you find out about the Columbia fellowship? If you don't get a fellowship, do you have to pay for living expenses AND tuition? I am of the opinion that nobody should go into debt to get a PhD. A doctorate degree is long and arduous. Nobody should worry about bread on the table, taking away the full experience of being in graduate school! I definitely will NOT attend Columbia if I had to pay tuition, but if it is just a lack of stipend, perhaps it's worth giving a shot if it's your dream school.

 

Sorry, I don't know much about NYU/Columbia Biostat to give an opinion on the programs, but Columbia seems to have the bigger name.

[DSWI338]

Thank you clamofee. They didn't say anything so specific about funding but I would agree with you that the least I can accept and should accept is a tuition waiver. I turned down two schools that were not in ideal locations (one because they admitted me to their master's program) so I am currenly deciding between these two at NYC. Thanks a lot for your reply and wish you all the very best!

[juilletmercredi]

Honestly, I would take a funded offer over a non-funded offer.  You probably can get funded here in your second year, but why take the risk?  And even if you did, you would still have to take on $60,000 of debt.

[DSWI338]

Thank you juilletmercredi. I agree with you that the risk of not being funded even in the second year in a big concern. I probably won't be in debt but spending that much money is just...depressing to think about. I supposed you're currently at Columbia? Hope all is well. Thank you.