Ranking and fit vs. Funding

[puffingtonbear]

Hi everyone,

I'm trying decide between two MA offers.

The first has offered me significant funding, it's in my field but it's a small department that's not well known.

The second is in a highly ranked program in the city I want to be in and with considerable career development and networking opportunities (I'm not looking to do a PhD), but it's not funded at all. There is the opportunity to apply for an RAship but it's not guaranteed and wouldn't fully cover tuition. I feel my fit is much better and there's a much broader scope of course offerings here than at the smaller, funded department. 

Consensus seems to be that if it's not funded, don't do it but wanted to get some insight. I'm really leaning towards the unfunded offer - it's only a year. 

Thoughts?

 

[rising_star]

I wouldn't do an unfunded MA. How much debt will you incur in that one year? What do the post-MA employment options look like and how much do those pay? Are you certain that doing the funded MA would hamper your career opportunities?

[COGSCI]

If you are deciding between Munk and another school, I would choose Munk. I think they have a more practical program than other schools in Canada. 

As you said, it is only a one-year program. However, living in Toronto is pretty expensive if you are not from GTA.