<p>I’m a Belgian Student (finishing my Bioscience Engineering Msc) planning to do a 1-year master program on sustainable energy and climate change/environment. As it stands, I am not planning to stay into the academic world (i.e. Phd) after that year, but I wouldn’t be the first to change minds. </p>
<p>My initial preference was towards Stanford, because of the atmosphere aspect of the program (I enjoyed atmospheric chemistry), the leading role of California in environmental issues, and Stanford’s reputation in general. However, now Cornell is offering me double the aid, I’m seriously thinking about Cornell. I really don’t want my parents to pay that much for me, neither do I want to start out with a 30k+ loan (it’s not worth it in Europe, people have told me). </p>
<p>Currently I’m still applying for a Fulbright Grant, which is 5-35k and I figure I have a good chance to get it. Basically, chosing for Stanford means I will rely on this grant, or will have to cough up 31k (ouch) vs. 18k (doable). </p>
<p>So, should I just follow my initial feeling and go for Stanford, use the extra need for the Grant as a motivator to get it? </p>
<p>It might be also worthwhile to mention that my girlfriend is going to UPenn (Philly), so being in Cornell would make us only a 4h trip seperated, whereas being in Stanford is a 6h expensive flight.</p>
<p>I can’t comment on the girlfriend issue - only you know what being apart for a year would mean to you. The difference between $31k and $18k is, in the scheme of things, a pretty trivial amount if one program is a significantly better fit for you, and only people in your field will be able to comment on the difference between a degree from Cornell vs. Stanford. In any case, you can always ask Stanford if they can improve their aid - at worst they say no.</p>
<p>I’ve taught at Stanford as a guest professor, and I usually post on the MIT board. When I first saw this question on CollegeConfidential, I assumed it was from someone going into the undergrad program. Had that been the case the answer would have been: Go to Stanford. But you are applying to a master’s program.</p>
<p>Look, both Stanford and Cornell are among the top ten schools in the country in grad science and engineering. Stanford is ranked higher, but in terms of your future career path, the differences are minimal. Cornell offered you a significantly better package. I live 15 minutes from Stanford, and I can tell you that the cost of living here in Silicon Valley is vastly higher than the cost of living in Ithaca, NY. Cornell is much, much closer to your significant other. Believe me, it is important to consider your personal happiness as you enter grad school. My advice is to take Cornell’s offer.</p>
<p>Take Cornell’s offer. If the gap between the money had been, say, less than 10k apart, I would have said Stanford because EVERYTHING about Stanford is sunny (gahahah pun intended).
Cornell may be a little dreary, so the people may be affected by it too. But, both universities have exciting, intellectual people who will put you for a four-year college roller coaster ride.</p>
<p>bedman, best of luck in getting that Fulbright grant–you do sound very qualified to get it. Then, you’ll be able to make your decision free of financial constraints. </p>
<p>Incidentally, it can be pretty hard getting in and out of Ithaca, which may have some bearing on your decision when considering getting together with your girlfriend. There’s no very convenient airport, and you can be snowed in or have a difficult time driving several months of the year. At Stanford, you’re within 20 minutes of two airports, and suffice it to say there is never a risk of being snowed in! And you can get decent airfares with a couple weeks’ advance planning. There are several airlines that fly between SF or San Jose and Philly. Good luck!</p>
<p>I agree that given the cost difference, Cornell makes more sense. If you eventually decide to go for a PhD, Stanford would be the more logical choice, and having a master’s from Cornell would give you a leg-up there.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t take into consideration the girlfriend issue - visiting will be comparably difficult and infrequent at either university.</p>
<p>Update: contacted Stanford and told them what Cornell offered me and that I felt forced to choose Cornell because of the financial situation. They upped the offer to $16,000. </p>
<p>I also looked up the expense budget for both Cornell and Stanford, and they’re actually quite alike.
Stanford:
Office of Graduate Admissions - Estimated Expense Budget | Student Affairs
Cornell:
Cost of attendance | Cornell Graduate School
(through an official letter, Cornell estimated the total cost for me at 63,000)</p>
<p>As it stands, Cornell would cost me $38,000 while Stanford would be $54,000 (total expenses minus financial aid). </p>
<p>At Stanford, they told me I could spread the program over 4-5 quarters and receive TA the second year (TA would be 8000-15000 aid for one quarter). However, after a quick calculation for a 4 quarter plan (1x15 + 3x10 credits), I came up with a cost of 47,000-54,000, depending on how much TA I’d get. So basically, it wouldn’t make much difference, unless I get a full TAship (50%).</p>