<p>Is it possible to do this if your top choice offers a considerably lower, barely livable stipend, than your second choice? The first offer has no work obligation whereas the second would require at least 2 semesters of TA. What is a good way to approach this with the first university? </p>
<p>Should one base one's decision in part upon the financial health of the state (both are state U's but there is a considerable difference between each state's economic situation, the second being far better than the first).</p>