<p>Hello everyone, </p>
<p>I have a rather difficult situation that I know only the gurus on this website can help resolve:</p>
<p>I want to enroll in an economics PhD program, and I would like to be able to have a shot getting to a top 10 program (you know who they are). Problem is, all of my economics and mathematics coursework was done when I was a freshman or a sophomore in college, some three and four years ago.</p>
<p>So, I'm going to enroll in a Masters program to prove to PhD programs (and myself) that I can hack it at the PhD-level. Now, should I enroll in NC State University's program, which for me is extremely affordable at some $5000 a year, or Duke University's program, which is much more prestigious but also much more expensive? </p>
<p>I'm leaning more toward NC State, but I'm worried that no matter how well I do there, I'll never have a shot at getting to a top 10 program. </p>
<p>What do you think?</p>
<p>Thanks a lot for all the help!</p>
<p>*edit: I should probably also mention that I will have to take out student loans to finance either program.</p>