Hyper thred, why are u applying only in Uni of south AL, Apply to LSU( -http://www.lsu.edu), they have lot of funds...Even though you don't get assistanship witin the department, you can look outside the department after you come here... If u get one...u don have to pa anything + you get stipend which is more than enough..i guess..//think abt it... Provided that you have a very good GRE score and undergrad GPA..or some good experience in the related field.