Duke/Northwestern PhD or NYU MS??

[plzinsertcoins]

Hey guys, I'm applying to Applied Math programs, and trying to decide what to do....here's what's happening:

Duke math PhD looked pretty nice(from the recruitment weekend) and the stipend is very generous. Northwestern applied math also offered me a good deal, but not as good as Duke. Considering only PhD options, I think I would prefer to go to Duke over Northwestern. The thing is that I really want to go to NYU applied math since it's got a great reputation and I like to live in a big city. But they're not offering me any funding so I would have to find one myself. Now I do have some possible fundings I could apply to, but the decision for those won't be out before late July. So I'm in a huge dillemma as to whether to just accept Duke's offer, or try to see if I can go to NYU. If I do end up going to NYU by any chance I plan to continue to PhD after getting the master's.

Does any of you guys have any ideas? It's basically a decision on either a PhD program with full funding that is not as prestigious, or a masters program from a top notch school with not-guaranteed funding(at least by April 15.) Is there any solution? Thanks

[rising_star]

Is earning a PhD your goal? If so, do you think you'd be a more competitive PhD applicant two years from now, while earning the MS at NYU? If the answer to the first question is yes and you don't really know what the answer to the second question is, I'd suggest taking a PhD offer now. I'd also see if you can get more money out of Northwestern and compare cost of living, etc. Sometimes it isn't about taking the most money*, but about going where you will have the best chance to excel.

*I didn't take the school that offered me the most money and I don't regret that decision at all.

[prefers_pencils]

I'd pick a PhD program without a doubt. Having lived in New York for the last few years, I can't imagine living on much less than what I make working full time. The city is fun, but it will always be here, and you won't be able to enjoy it if you put yourself out 60K+ between tuition and living expenses. Isn't Northwestern is just north of Chicago? If you're that committed to living near a large city, it seems like a good compromise - but I don't think the research triangle of NC is the sticks, either. Good luck with your decision!