Need advice on these two Doctoral offers for Mass Communication

[micke1ad]

I recently have been accepted to two doctoral programs in Mass Communication: One from Bowling Green State University and the other from the University of Southern Mississippi. The BGSU assistantship comes with funding for 3-4 years involving full tuition coverage and $13,500 a year (two semesters). The USM offer is full funding for one year plus a $11,500 stipend. After the one year is up, I have to ask for a renewal. Also USM requires their doctoral students to have health insurance which means an even smaller paycheck. Despite this, I do not wish to go to BGSU again because I already did my undergraduate work there (B.A. received my M.A. in Michigan college), and USM seems like a far more exciting place to enroll, even though I know that the funding is not quite as good. What do you think I should do? Thanks in advance!

[rising_star]

Which program has a better ranking? Which one has scholars who you are more excited to work with? Where will you have better opportunities to pursue the research which interests you? 

[micke1ad]

The University of Southern Mississippi has a better program, including an opportunity to do a study abroad in Jamaica. However, I am afraid that $11,500 sounds awfully low for a PhD student? 

[rising_star]

They both sound low for a PhD student but I have no idea what the cost of living is in Hattiesburg. Are there opportunities to do research or teaching in the summer to earn additional money? Because $11,500 over 9 months is going to be under $1K/month after taxes.

[micke1ad]

Yes I understand this. I recently messaged the graduate coordinator about this but did not get a solid answer. I have no idea what to do...

[GradSchoolTruther]

It's your decision. These decisions aren't always easy. At least you got your master's somewhere else, so it isn't that bad to stay.

Edited April 8, 2016 by GradSchoolTruther

[micke1ad]

Yeah but how does the school expect me to pay rent on a stipend that small?

[rising_star]

I dunno. Maybe rent is less than you think? Have you talked to any current grad students about their ability to survive on the stipend and whether there are opportunities to earn more money? If not, do that ASAP.