i would have considered these options:

- Phd with full CPT

- Phd with stipend..(is better by a long way)

I wouldn't dare to go for Phd as i did my masters i.e. working in stores AGAIN..!

By the way, there is one uniersity in CA which gives you CPT from the day you join. Tuition is also cheap around $5500/ yr.

regards