Stanford vs. ISU vs. Rice

[bei]

I'm a foreigner. I don't know American job Market very well. Any suggestion would be great!

Basic situation: 1. got admission to Stanford Statistics MS Program without funding, need to pay $100,000

2. got offer from Iowa State University Statistics Ph.D. Program with full funding.

3. got offer from Rice University Statistics Ph.D. Program with full funding.

My interest: Want to get a good industry job after Master or Ph.D. graduation.

Note: 1. Currently, $100,000 is not a big problem. I'm just wondering whether Stanford MS Program can pay back my father's money.

Would Ph.D. program have advantage over Master program when I want to find an industry job?

2. ISU statistics department ranked #5, but it's cold and it locates in Ames of Iowa. Poor location would limit my job opportunity, right?

3. Rice comprehensive ranking is higher than ISU, however, its statistics department is not as good as ISU's. Rice locates at Houston of Texas, which is a better location. More job opportunity, right?

Current decision: Go to Stanford, decline the other two. However, I can't make up my mind. Some fellows are on the waiting list. I need to turn down two offers quickly to give others opportunity. Please help!!!

Thank you in advance.

Edited March 26, 2010 by bei