University of Chicago or Boston University MA

[mkwiatk4]

I have an offer from University of Chicago's Divinity School that includes a 50% tuition remission.  I also have an offer from Boston University's School of Theology for 100% tuition remission.  I really want to attend University of Chicago, but I calculated that for tuition alone I would have to go roughly 40k into debt for two years of study, not including living expenses.  I want to get into a good PhD program, and for that I know where I did my masters will have a huge effect on what offers I get.  However, to me its a choice between being a big fish in a small pond, or a small fish in a big pond.  BU has some great faculty and I received one of the most prestigious scholarships that are offered to MA students, so I would easily make good connections with the faculty there.  However, I'm worried that I might regret turning down Chicago when it comes time to apply to PhD programs. Thoughts?

Edited March 17, 2016 by mkwiatk4

[menge]

Boston is still a good school, and you will not regret not having debt to deal with. My 2cents.

[mkwiatk4]

Very true. I really can't go wrong either way, and I do love the community life at BU.  I'm just thinking logistically for the future.

[Rabbit Run]

Hands down BU in my opinion. While Boston might not be as prestigious as Chicago, but its up there. Anecdotally, one of my professors told me that theres not really a reason why BU shouldn't be acknowledged as "first tier" school (which is a very subjective category I know) even though its not often mentioned in the same breath at Yale/Harvard/Duke etc. In the end, going to Chicago (or anywhere for that matter) will not guarantee a PhD acceptance and 40K is a big gamble to throw down on that. 

[sacklunch]

That's tough. It really depends on what you want to study and with whom. No matter where you go your interests will change a lot. Something that might make it easier is look at the structure of the programs. For example, what required classes are there? Are you going to be in class with 50+ people? Is there a maximum/rule on language courses? Can you take courses outside of your department? What offerings are available for the summer?  These questions helped me decide on my first M* (I could have attended a higher ranked program, but I did not due to the insane amount of required classes/language course allowances/outside department allowances. Remember, many if not most of your peers will have zero interest in continuing on to a PhD. Programs are structured accordingly. I have no clue what your background/prep is but it is absolutely essential you maximize your time no matter where you end up. In the end, what is 40k to you? Yes, it's a lot of money. BUT if you end up coming out of a program without securing a PhD spot you will likely be no better off professionally than had you not done the free M*. Yes, the job market is rough for PhD's in religion/related fields; but is it worse for those with an M* in religion? Only the gods know. 

[Perique69]

I'd go with Boston. No question. There is no good reason to incur debt for theology / religion degrees.  

[neat]

Boston, hands down. 40k is a lot of debt to emerge with, particularly in a field with pretty slim professional prospects. Receiving that first student loan bill eight years from now after you finish your PhD and are searching for a job would be somewhat less than gratifying. It's also worth saying that BU is not some shady online school- it is rather well regarded, and I think that you could have a very good experience there (plus, Boston is a great place to live). For me, if it was 50% at Chicago or full funding at Joe Schmoe's School of Religion and Theology, it would give me more pause. That's not the case here- BU is a fine institution and in the long run, that offer will give you a much stronger personal financial profile in the years to come.