UT Austin MS Business Analytics vs UVA MS Data Science

[RichHomieEsh]

Hi everyone. I was accepted into to two programs, the MS in Business Analytics at UT Austin, and the MS in Data Science from the University of Virginia (both in person.) I feel really blessed and grateful, but I need to choose between these programs and I am having trouble deciding. If anyone has any thoughts on the programs or UVA vs UT Austin in general, your feedback would be greatly appreciated. Below are the main points I have been considering, and the reason for my dilemma:

 

Tuition: Both programs are similarly priced, around $55k in tuition. However, I did receive an $8500 scholarship from UT Austin. I am justifying the cost as a means for me to change my career into a more analytical field.

Academics/Ranking: The Business Analytics program at Texas is highly ranked, and it appears on multiple lists such as US News, etc. as a top 10 program for business analytics. The UVA data science degree doesn't seem to make any lists, but people in general seem to be happy with the program. UVA is also investing a substantial sum into data science, over $200 million last I checked. In terms of academics, both programs seem to be rigorous on paper, both offer a capstone project with firms, etc. That said, as a business undergrad, my main goal for grad school is to beef up my technical skills to change careers, and I'm worried that business analytics will be a watered down curriculum compared to DS. If anyone can speak to that, it would be appreciated.

Location: Very different locations, obviously. Austin is a city of almost a million, and Charlottesville is a smaller town similar to where I went to undergrad. Obviously, location is not as important as academics, but it is something I'm considering, seeing as moving anywhere is a pretty major decision. I will admit both locations are tempting; Austin for its vibrancy, and Charlottesville for it's familiarity and history.

Careers/Placement: Both UVA and UT seem have similar placements (94% vs 98%) and similar starting salaries for grads (~$95k median).

If you have some advice on which program you would choose, it would be immensely appreciated. Thank you so much!