Higher Ranked or Lower Ranked?

[aridsoul1]

Should I go to a higher ranked, more expensive program that I like more or a lower ranked, less expensive program?

[bioarch_fan]

Go with where you have a connection with the department and with the faculty.  Don't go off of the rank or cost because that doesn't show what the department is truly like.  If you have faculty at both types of schools that you would like to work with, then apply to some from both sides and see which ones you get into.  If you get into more than one and one of them doesn't offer funding then go with the one that does offer funding.  If you get offered funding from more than one then go with the one that you have the best connection with your POI.

[heliogabalus]

Don't go unless they pay you.

[FlyingDutchman]

Try to put to the side rankings and qualifications. Focus on the quality of the faculty, how accessible they are, their commitment to teaching and their students. I'd also say focus on the type of students that end up in each program. You could be in a highly-ranked prestigious program with highly competitive peers and be miserable. Also, it depends on whether you are going for an MA or a PhD. I'd encourage you to really try and find a program that provides some funding at least. 

[Pius Aeneas]

I agree with heliogabulus, don't go unless the program is funded, especially a doctoral program.