HELP! No idea what to pick even on deadline day

[Infimae]

I wanted to help my roommate make a decision between USC and UC Santa Cruz for applied mathematics.

 

He wants to do a phd in math and has been accepted to UCSC for their phd program. He applied for the phd program at USC as well but was accepted into their masters program instead. With UCSC, he has $40000 in guaranteed funding, whereas USC has offered none. He told me he likes USC better (both in terms of research and student life) but since he really wants to do a phd, he would have to re-apply again. Apparently, USC does not give preferential treatment to their masters students when applying for the phd program, so he could very well end up at a different (read: worse) place after completing his masters there. 

 

Although he looked at UCSC and said he'd be ok going there, it was originally more a fallback plan and I think he wants to go to someplace more reputable. He told me that there is a chance of going to USC and then doing worse on applications, which could result in getting into even lower ranked schools then UCSC or USC. Because of this fear, he has no idea which school to pick.

 

I want to help him make the best possible decision. Anyone on these forums have any advice for him?

[ZacharyObama]

By 40,000 does that mean tuition at Santa Cruz for two years out of a 4-5 year program? Would he have stipend or be able to TA? If the picture at Santa Cruz fills out he should probably take the offer.

 

He would take on major debt to go to USC (100k) and it's probably not worth it in this field.

[EngiNerd-12]

In my opinion, a funded PhD offer always beats an unfunded MS offer and UC Santa Cruz is a good school (good reputation and pretty surroundings). If your roommate is really unhappy about that option (assuming little to no fit research-wise), would he be willing to take time off and re-apply next year?

[Infimae]

ZacharyObama, the funding is for the first year expenses at UCSC. And there will be opportunities to TA there as well but I do not think there are guarantees he could be a TA at USC. 

 

EngiNerd-12, the problem with UCSC is that it's not an ideal fit for research. And he doesn't want to reapply next year.

 

I don't suppose anyone reading this thread has any experience in his field? If anybody with a math background can comment on UCSC and USC that would be greatly appreciated.