Wait are we talking about the same "ISU"? Mine is Iowa State, program Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, which is only somewhere near Statistics.
For me, I don't know but I have felt really connected to the place right when I interviewed with the school. In fact, I applied to ISU after I got accepted to NCSU haha, I really don't know why I even submitted! I like how they designed the program, and with the lab rotations and having two advisors things, I feel ISU will be a better fit for me. Working in industry is not my plan; I love teaching and want to keep working in acamedia and become a lecturer in the future.
I'm still considering you know. It's a tough choice. But I feel I won't regret going to ISU.
So here are some things people advised me: NCSU has a higher ranking (#10 in Stat this year) and well-known program of Stats; locates in a warmer and more dynamic place, which will help a lot if you plan to work in industry. ISU also has a good program (#13 in Stat this year) though less famous than NCSU's, and life in Ames is very peaceful. The two places are toss-up actually.
I wish I could know something more to help both of us. But deep down here I hope you can choose the right place for you!
