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[prephd]

Is there any funding from either of the schools?  THis would be a big consideration. THe fact that you will be paying tuition is a red flag.  The top programs give tuition remission and stipends to PhD students. 

WHy is your employer going to pay your tuition?  Will you be able to use your degree at your job?  What interest does he or she have in helping you obtain a PhD if you are going to go into academia?  It would help if you told us your field.

Is there any possibility of doing a national search of schools to find the best place in your field (where you willl be accepted)?  It would be worth if you are willing to move.

There is the possibility of funding, but, as I said, I do not want to give up my full-time job just yet to be a TA, GA, etc.  Please let me know if there is some magical way of receiving funding that allows me to keep my day job!   

My employer will pay my tuition because the degree is related to my job (educational administration). 

As I mentioned, I am not willing to move right now because I just moved 3 months ago for the new job post-master's.  I have done a search on programs, though, and UVA and GWU both come up in USNWR's top-twenty for the program (19 and 20, actually). 

Williamk, which program did you attend?  Tell me more! 

[spork]

Which one involves less of a commute?

[cb3190a]

I was in a similar situation years ago deciding on a master's program - came down to UVa and American University (AU) in DC.  Ended up at AU for a variety of reasons.  I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir, but make sure you consider things like costs and family situations.  I had family in DC I could stay with which kept costs down, and I got a job at AU that paid the tuition.

Regarding the research resources, consider the following: UVa has an awesome library, but it's 2.5 hours away down US 29 in Charlottesville, not at the NOVA extension in Falls Church.  How will you access it?  E-journals have made access much simpler if your computer and Internet access are up to snuff, but print monographs will be another matter.  Will UVa facilitate access to Alderman Library (in Charlottesville) or will you be expected to make do with George Mason? (not a bad library, but it's not UVa)

On the other hand, GW is a member of WRLC and you will have access to all WRLC libraries (Georgetown, George Mason, AU, Catholic, Gallaudet, Marymount, etc.).  I was a heavy user of Catholic and GW libraries when I was at AU (many reasons, in part because I worked for money at the AU library, so it was a nice break to work on my papers elsewhere) and I always found what I needed.

It sounds like you are really early in the game.  Right now, I wouldn't sweat which you should attend *if* you are accepted to both.  Apply to both.  Find out what they say.  Even if you're accepted to both, listen to which one sounds best for your situation.  We can keep telling you what we think you should do, but only you will know which route is best for your situation.