Stat PhD: Michigan Ann Arbor vs UC Davis

[paaperr]

I am international student, and I'm pondering over these two offers. Michigan Ann Arbor is ranked #7, which is higher than UCD (#13), and it looks like Michigan is a more.. renowned school. I'm currently interested in Functional Data analysis, so UC Davis would be a better option in this sense. If I choose Michigan, then I'm thinking of exploring new areas and changing my field of interest. In terms of what I "don't" want to study, however, I am not the biggest fan of machine learning or deep learning. I am interested in research jobs after graduation, but I would also be happy with going to industry. 

Some other things I am considering are: Michigan has no Qual Exam, Michigan is more close to my fiance (4 hours by car?), Michigan offered more generous assistantship. 

I am really confused because I got this Michigan offer in the last minute, and I would really appreciate your insights and thoughts about these two programs, about their research potentials, living environments, weather, anything. Thanks!

[bayessays]

You can't go wrong. Obviously if you're completely set on FDA and can work with Muller, UCD is a great choice. Better weather too. The personal stuff is very important too, and Michigan is a great program. I'm sure you would be able to find some great research there you would enjoy.