<p>I'm currently choosing between two graduate programs 1) UIUC materials engineering masters with funding (TA+tuition waiver) and 2) Rice University Phd Chemistry (fully funded). I find the research at both schools to be really interesting and i'm having trouble choosing between the two. Hopefully someone with experience with both schools could provide some insight. Some other information: I'm originally from Houston, but I don't mind the weather in the north that much</p>