Clemson v Tennessee--Econ PhD

[darthlatt617]

Anyone have any opinions on either program? Tennessee is offering about $17000 for a TA while Clemson is offering $15000. Also, Tennessee doesn't show up on national program rankings, while Clemson usually does.

Anyone have any thoughts? My main concern is UT's absence from major rankings and the possible implications on future job opportunities. Without this misgiving, I'd probably go with UT.

Thanks!

[rising_star]

What is making you lean toward UT? The two stipend amounts are pretty similar, so I don't know if that should be a deciding factor. You should probably decide based on some combination of ranking and fit. Have you visited either department?

[darthlatt617]

Thanks for the advice. For me, I'm not so sure the stipend difference is negligible. It amounts to a bit more than a 200$ difference a month.
I've been in contact with both graduate directors but that's it. Both departments look good, although Clemson seems to have more staff from big-time schools (eg, many out of Chicago). I studied for a semester at UT so I have some familiarity with the area.

The recent placements of both programs, frankly, are not all that different either, which is interesting considering UT's absence from major rankings. Clemson's placement record might be ever so slightly better, but the difference is pretty small.

[juilletmercredi]

I'm not in economics so I will defer to you on that, but a perusal of the NRC rankings (admittedly kind of outdated at this point) shows UT as ranked but outside the top 50 while Clemson is not on the list at all. The reverse is true on U.S. News, though, with Clemson at #76 and UT not ranked.

 

So honestly they seem to have similar reputations and I would go with whatever one you think is best for you, which you seem to think is UT.

[rising_star]

Actually, it might not be that much each month. You'd need to know whether you're being paid over 9 months or 12 months to assess that. Also, you could look into whether health insurance is included and what, if any, fees grad students are responsible for paying for. For example, at my PhD program, grads paid about $400/semester in fees but in my MA program that was $800/semester.

[darthlatt617]

Thanks for taking the time, guys. I'm about ready to decide, and your advice was much appreciated. 

[rising_star]

Let us know what you decide!

[darthlatt617]

Clemson went from 15000 to 18000 for TA payment. I chose Clemson, although I'd been leaning toward them already.