Fiction MFA - Down to a few schools with varying funding

[Robosquad]

Hey all,

 

Hoping to throw this out there and get at least a few more perspectives.

 

I'm currently in decision Hell.  I had a return I was very pleased with and have been able to narrow my options down a bit, but if anyone is familiar with these programs and has further input, I'd love to hear it:

 

1. I got into Columbia with some amount of (currently unable to access it) financial aid.  Either way, though, it's a $50,000 per year tuition.  It's almost impossible to run a search on this program without getting extreme opinions on one side or the other, so what's the real deal?  I'm willing to take on some debt but only if the art instruction or publishing on the other side are truly worth it, especially with funding offers elsewhere.

 

2. I have full funding/TA offers from FSU and Oregon State.  Oregon State is something of a blank slate to me, though I like what I've seen so far, but these two are ones I'm really looking for some further input on.

 

3. I also have a funding offer from SUNY Stony Brook, for which I'd have to pay part of the first year due to out-of-state fees, but wouldn't pay a large amount after that.  I like what I've seen of the program, but for whatever reason it doesn't have an enormous reputation.

 

Hoping to let some people off the wait lists soon.  I'm also waitlisted or waitlisted for funding at a few schools that could conceivably make a difference, but at this point I'm assuming I won't get bumped up before decision time. All experiences/thoughts appreciated.

Edited March 22, 2014 by Robosquad