Hi Sean,
I am a Cornell MLA graduate and though there have been changes in staff since 2003, some of the new folks were fellow classmates and they all thoughtful and grounded. One of things I loved about the program was how it really blended design skills with real world skills that would be needed to get a job. Most people I interviewed with complemented Cornell grads with their entry-level skills and ability to start work without too much training. I don’t know the cost difference between UMASS and Cornell, but I thought Cornell was VERY reasonable as compared to other programs such as Harvard, Penn or even Michigan. I loved Cornell and had a great experience there. I’d contact firms and get their impressions of what recent graduates have been like from each school and the skills they are teaching. My two cents. Good luck! Both good schools!
