Removed decision for options for MSTP
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Yeah for UNC the public health school doesn't match the MSTP stipend (37.5k), and the MSTP doesn't cover the difference (Gillings school of public health only pays the NIH rate, which is 28k). They also don't guarantee that PhD students will be funded as RAs, don't guarantee a TA position, and specifically tell PhD students to be prepared to take out loans. The gist I got from the interview day was a) students were from the triangle area and living with family, so rent wasn't an issue, or b) were living with a spouse/partner who made it possible to pay rent. Even though the MSTP technically says they require PhD departments to match their stipend rate, all of the MSTP students in the pubilc health school said that they weren't able to find a mentor who was willing to match the stipend. Also, I know UNC Gillings got a fair amount of USAID funding, and some of their NIH grants have been cut, so the issues with potential future support makes me balk a little.Congrats on great options. Based on what I'm seeing here, I'd say UNC vs Columbia (but I also wouldn't want to go to Columbia right now based on the firestorm that is happening with research - I am too risk adverse). The only thing that gives me pause is the funding issues UNC has had in the past for people in your degree? Can you expand on that?
UNC is not the deep south - some parts of NC do feel that way but the research triangle area is much more East Coast-y in my opinion.
I would say Wisco would also be on my final list but unfortunately I think for your PhD having a dedicated school of public health/strong mentors is important and therefore that's a serious con.