M.S. Statistics UMN vs UIUC

[tcd925]

Hi,

I got admitted to UMN and UIUC M.Stat Program. I am an international student and really want to find a nice job after graduation. Does anybody have some advice on which one I should accept?

[219701865]

Did either one give you funding? Stipend, tuition waiver, etc.

 

Both schools are very good. Illinois might be ranked a little bit higher, but it really depends on the field. I am not familiar enough with statistics. Both schools are also very diverse, so you will have no problem finding other international students. 

 

University of Minnesota is in a bigger city, so cost of living is a bit more expensive. It's also colder there. It will be a bit warmer in Urbana-Champaign, but they still get snow. 

 

One thing to keep in mind is that there was an issue a few weeks ago over graduate student assistantships at UIUC. I don't know if or how it's been resolved, but it's worth looking into.

[tcd925]

Thank you for your reply. I didn't receive any funding from either school. I had no idea about the assistantship issue at UIUC, can you tell me more about that?

[219701865]

I do not know much about the situation at the University of Illinois, but here is a link to a Grad Cafe discussion about it. It seems like the issue has been resolved, but I do not know not know the details. If you did not get an assistantship or funding, it will probably not affect you. 

 

In that case, I would be tempted choose the cheaper of the schools if you have to pay tuition. Minnesota's tuition seems to be substantially lower, but keep in mind that rent will be more expensive in Minneapolis than in Champaign-Urbana.