Help deciding which school!

[NewCRNA01]

So, I have recently been accepted to Rush in Chicago and University of Minnesota. Both Dnp Programs. Rush is the more highly ranked program, but both are in the top 30. Rush's program would end up being 4 years, as it's 3.5 and I would likely take a few classes a semester early to lighten the course load. University of Minnesota is 3 years. Tuition costs are comparable, but cost of living in Chicago is higher than Minnesota. I'll be using loans to pay for pretty much anything. Minnesota has offered a significant stipend sum for a traineeship over 2 years that would greatly help out with costs. I don't believe Rush offers any such stipend. So, what are your opinions? Where should I go?

[loveanesthesia]

The US News and World rankings are based entirely on a survey. Each nurse anesthesia program director and assistant program director is mailed a survey about every 4 years. The survey is a list of all the programs in the country, and the PD and assistant PD is asked to rate each program on a 5 point likert scale. The surveys are compiled and they have their list. You can find their methodology on the website if you dig enough.

[m1lkofamnesia]

If you aren't partial to either location, I'd go with the cheaper (and also seems to be shorter) option. But that's just me :) How are the clinical sites for both schools? Also an important decision factor.

[BigPappaCRNA]

They are both solid, respectable programs. Their relative "rank" to each other is completely meaningless. Homecoming King and Queen results from your local high school are determined more scientifically than the US News rankings. Go to the program that fits best.