UT Austin or UGA- Thoughts?

[zigzag123]

PhD focusing on ESL education research.  Very generous fellowship (through research and teaching activities) at UGA guaranteed for as long as the program takes me and through the summers.  Considerably less funding at UT- livable but barely- would possibly have to take a couple K each semester.   Austin less interesting assistantship activities than UGA (monitoring student teachers at UT), but a very interesting advisor, and of course a fun city.  Advisors at both universities are equally good/ well established.  I'm strongly tempted by the funding package of UGA, but don't want to regret passing up the ranking/prestige/fun of Austin for the wrong reasons.  PS- I'm in my mid thirties so the financial part is important-.  Any thoughts?  Strong funding package vs. prestige? Both programs sub-divisions of Curriculum and Instruction programs.  Thank you so much for your time and input!  

[SeanDDavies]

I say UGA. It's not like UGA doesn't have a strong name, plus the name seems to not be as important (at least that's what my advisors have been telling me lately). Funding is a big deal. It will affect your future. And the assistanships are important as well. Just my 2 cents!

[rising_star]

UGA's education programs are very highly ranked. Athens is a fun city even though it doesn't get the publicity Austin does these days. What are your career goals?

[Cheshire_Cat]

I hate Athens, but it is only an hour or so from Atlanta, so if you want to have fun on weekends, you can easily drive to the big city.  Cost of living is probably cheaper there too, and UGA is a decent school.  You can probably go anywhere from either school.  If finances matter a lot, I'd choose UGA.

[zigzag123]

Thanks so much for your helpful input!  I'm leaning towards UGA- but feel torn since when I visited Austin I feel a little bit in love with the city : ).  I am looking at going into academia.