SFSU vs Brown for MS before PhD

[androm31]

I got into Brown and SFSU for MS physics and need some advice. Things didn't work out as planned so I'm getting MS before I reapply for PhD programs later. 

The question boils down to this: Is the Brown Ivy League name and the associated debt of up to $200k "worth it" compared to a state school like SFSU? I've gotten some funding for SFSU, but none for Brown, so based on financial considerations, SFSu would seem to be the "right" choice. But I don't know how choosing one school over the other would affect my PhD admission at top tier schools later - say Harvard, etc. 

What are experiences doing Masters first then PhD later - especially in the sciences?

Any comment/advice would be appreciated! Thx

[rising_star]

I don't think any master's is worth $200K in debt. Or even $100K if that helps to know.

[androm31]

hmm i see...

[juilletmercredi]

No, it's not worth it. Where you go for your MS before the PhD doesn't matter, as long as you will get a solid educational experience there and can get the research experience and recommendations you need to proceed on. Besides, how on earth would you repay $200K on the salary of a physics professor?

Why would a Brown MS cost $200K anyway? Tuition is about $50K per year, so $100K over two years, but you should be able to cover living expenses for $25K a year in Providence. It's still a moot point, because even $150K is way, way too much to borrow for an MS in physics, particularly when you have a partially funded offer at a great public university - and still more than you will be able to repay.

[androm31]

Thanks for the responses!

Yeah I realize that my $200K was a grossly ridiculous overestimate of $150K. Yeah I guess I haven't able to get myself over the reoccurring "state school vs prestigious ivy" debate everyone mulls over, and about how that might affect PhD admissions later. From what it looks like, it seems I'll be able to get decent research experience and recommendations through SFSU. Plus I'll likely have a TA job as well. So I'm heavily leaning towards the state program. 

Also good point about "how the hell am I going to replay w/ physics academia salary.." Don't think I've given enough thought on that XD. Since I hear a lot of differing opinion about what's a "typical" debt load, I wanted to get some opinions. I always hear some in law, medical school, or MBA programs taking ridiculous amount of loans, but I never hear about people who are in the sciences -- especially since a good majority go straight to a funded PhD program!

It's been super helpful thanks!

 

[androm31]

sorry to both!! I think I accidentally selected "downvote"