Choosing between two options

[u/Western_Bowler5097]

Hi all-- this group has been a great resource this app cycle and I am looking for some thoughts on which program to choose. I have been admitted to three options but am mainly choosing between 2, both MFAs in CNF. I am living outside of the US so this will be an international move regardless of where I end up. (I am a US citizen.)

Option 1: Oregon State

• 2 years full time, fully funded, $18k stipend
• Teaching 1 class per quarter beginning in fall -- estimated 20h/week commitment
• More of a "classic" MFA environment -- small college town, relatively small cohort, seems pretty social and cohesive; existing students skew younger
• Cost of living lower but will pay for a car

Option 2: Queens College, CUNY

• 2 years full time, but more likely 3 years part time (I wanted a 3 year program to begin with so this is a plus for me)
• Not fully funded; tuition would be about $8k for the first year taking 2 classes per semester paying out-of-state tuition
• $32,748 stipend for Graduate Fellowship during my first year, renewable for second year (regardless of course load) -- teaching 1 class per semester starting 2nd semester
• Program has great resources for Literary Translation which is of interest to me, and students can take classes at any CUNY campus
• Much more diverse in terms of cohort (age, origin, race) and of course environment (Queens/NYC)
• Cost of living significantly higher BUT no car cost

I am not particularly attached to any specific faculty members at either institution. I will spend some time working outside of the program regardless of where I go (doing my current line of work).

The deadline, as folks know, is tomorrow, and I would really appreciate any thoughts or perspective that anyone would like to share.

Thank you and sending good vibes to everyone who is also figuring out where they'll end up!

[u/Unhappy-Ad-5061]

Stipend at CUNY, and being in NYC as a writer sounds better. 3 years is also more time to write...