My 2 cents worth is ...Take your time, do your research after you decide what you want to accompolish with your machine. What features will mean the most to you? Will you have lessons to help you use the machine to its full potential? What can you truly afford? Get the very best machine you can buy with your funds and make sure you have a source close by for maintenance and educational possibilities.
Congrats on your education. I remember my DIL working so hard to get her nursing degree. She had 2 small children, my son was working 50-60 hours a week so she could work just on week-ends while she went to school and I was gifting foods for fridge and funds for gas, etc. I am so very proud of her!!! She is the daughter I did not give birth, but love dearly. Her education has made it possible for them to have a much more secure life.
Do post your new machine details when you decide.