Got a verbal offer to be fully funded in Ph.D. in agricultural economics

[collegekid767676]

Hey,

 

So, I am starting my senior year at a flagship university as an econ major. I talked to the department head of agricultural economics at the university and i told him my interests, GPA, experience, and GRE scores, and he told me that he would waive my tuition in addition to a $1,600 a month stipend if I went to the program. It is a good program. I think it is ranked in the top 10% in the country. Now, my GRE score (Q: 155; V: 149) isn't stellar, so I am having a hard time believing him. Do you think that he is B.S.ing me or telling the truth? 

[ExponentialDecay]

Ask him to put it in writing.

[dr. t]

I don't know what the cost of living is in your area, but $1.6k isn't a great stipend. Do some more exploring. 

And yeah, get it in writing.

[Warelin]

Assuming you're in Texas A&M based on your profile:

• A&M ranks 42 for economics alongside 3 other colleges which rank the same according to USNews.
• There are a total of 76 ranked colleges (which is 80 if one adjusts for colleges ranked the same at 76)
• $1,600 could be a fair, good, or great amount depending on where you live.
• Based on the research I've done, the average rent is 1k per month. You'll also have food costs+transportation cost+medical costs+going out costs+ misc. This should be doable for less than $600 a month.
• If you like college station, the professors, and it's a good fit, there's no harm in applying.

[Quickmick]

You might want to check something else, too. If you are talking about A&M, the tuition waiver very well may not include waiving fees which--as I imagine you are aware--can represent a decent piece of your bill every semester. I am not trying to poo poo your achievement by any means, just want you to be aware that you might be on the hook for these or it may be a point of negotiation...in any case it is something to ask.

Q