UW-Madison vs University of Michigan - PhD in English

[EnglishPhD88]

Hi gyus!

 

I've narrowed my admission offers down to two, but can't seem to be able to go any further in my decision making process.

 

In the absence of any sharp contrasts in terms of the caliber of the professors and the "fit" factor, the funding package offered by each is beginning to assume a pretty huge role. UW-Madison offers a stipend of $20,000 (with no teaching duties for the first year as I'll be on fellowship) while U-M offers a stipend of $27,000 (with no teaching duties in years 1 and 5 thanks to an even more generous fellowship).

 

I'd hate to be overwhelmed by the funding aspect of the equation and make a rash decision. Does anyone have some relevant insight to offer? I'd really appreciate having your opinion on this "UW-Madison vs UMich" question. (I've found a few pro-con type of evaluations of both universities but none concerned graduate programs and had more to do with undergrad studies.) At this point, any kind of advice would be helpful.

 

Thank you!

 

 

p.s. My intended field of study is 20th-century and contemporary American poetry, just in case.

Edited April 1, 2015 by Mohsen88

[Vene]

Not in your field, but I'd take Michigan. U of M has an overall fantastic academic reputation (not that Wisconsin doesn't) and having the higher stipend means you won't have to spend as much time worrying about your finances. Not having teaching duties also means you will be able to spend more of your time on your courses and research.

[bookhousegirl]

Michgan

[pretensions]

I'm probably a little biased as an undergrad at UM right now, but I think UM has a better academic reputation overall (although I don't know about the individual PhD program). That, plus the more generous funding, would make me probably go for UM.

 

Good luck!

[juilletmercredi]

I was trying to differentiate by rankings, but they are so close - both top 10 programs! Is either of them better or worse in terms of your concentration? (I'm guessing not, otherwise the decision would be easier).

 

Yeah, since this is such a close choice, I don't think there's any harm in making a decision based on finances. $7,000 over 12 months is almost an extra $600 a month, and that's a lot of money on a grad stipend. No teaching in year 5 is also important because by then you should be writing, and you'll get more writing done if you don't have to teach.

 

Pity though; I think Madison is probably a cooler city than Ann Arbor. But I've heard great things about Ann Arbor.

[rising_star]

I'd go with Michigan. The budget cuts to the UW system right now are a bit scary (think $300 million).