How Much Does MA Program Rank Matter? (With Funding)

[A blighted one]

I've recently received a fully funded offer for an MA program. I'm wondering... if I plan to apply for PhD programs after I complete the MA, how much does the program's ranking matter? (I'm also confused as to MA rankings; do they exist? I'm basing the ranking of this program off of their PhD ranking)

Will a lower ranked program hinder my chances of being accepted to a more competitive PhD program in the future? I've heard that acquiring funding for an MA in the humanities is generally seen as impressive, but I'm not sure how true this is or if it being from a lower ranked program will negate that. I feel like (and hope) that the answers to these questions are "no," but I'm afraid people do take prestige quite seriously--but then again, I really know nothing.

Edited February 5, 2016 by A blighted one

[ProfLorax]

This question is asked at a monthly basis it seems, haha. There is no ranking for MA programs. Funding is a good and rare thing. Take the money and take advantage of all the things your MA program offers (make connections with professors, write your writing sample, teach, attend whatever professional development stuff you can, etc). You can always ask the graduate office about placement: see where recent grads have gone. 

[A blighted one]

Sorry for being redundant @ProfLorax! I did search around a bit before posting, but didn't look hard enough, I guess.

I guess my more specific question is if I am accepted to two MA programs with an equally good fit but the higher ranked one gives me less funding (in relation to cost of living), do I follow the funding at the lower ranked school?

Feel free to ignore this question if it is, yet again, redundant. Sorry!

[ProfLorax]

Follow the best program for you! I know that's vague, but once you have the two options in front of you, I'd look at a bunch of factors:

• MONEY! being the most important
• Placement: where are these MA programs placing?
• Thesis/comp/capstone/portfolio: what is the final project for the MA, and how does it figure into your goals?
• Feedback from current students: are they happy there? How are they doing on the stipend? What do the students who work with your POI have to say about your POI?
• Faculty: Which program has the most people you want to work with?
• Coursework: an MA program is primarily coursework, so which program offers the coursework that excites you the most?

You'll notice I didn't mention rankings because MA programs are not ranked. Instead, pick the program that you believe puts you in the best place for your future goals. 

[A blighted one]

Thank you, @ProfLorax !

[WendyWonderland]

I am in an unranked program. The professors are very helpful and strict, and the environment is nurturing. Class sizes are super small, which means they have a lot of time for you during office hours. I know that our department has some kind of funding and TAships. Most of the people in my cohort teach for tuition and work another job for living costs. I am not saying that it is not hard work, but it is worth it, because afterwards, you will be much more competitive than you are now. My point is, besides of ranking, you should look at the class sizes, and think about what it can really offer you besides a name.