Wisconsin Madison or Ohio State for ML

[Anirban63]

I've been admitted to OSU with funding, and to Wisconsin-Madison without. I am interested in statistical ML. Assuming equal "research fit" in both universities, which would be a better choice w.r.t. research environment, academic reputation, possiblities after graduation (I intend to remain in academia) ? I have read that for these factors, where you do research is equally important (if not more) than the actual research. The lack of funding in Wisconsin is also a factor.

Wisconsin has strong groups in systems and compilers (which I am interested in as well); how does OSU compare in these areas (again w.r.t the factors above)?

If I have made stupid assumptions, please feel free to highlight those as well

[Anirban63]

Btw, you should decide looking at your finances.

This is exactly what has me worried. WiscMad has many unfunded PhD admits this time; I'm not sure what the funding prospects will be after a semester or a year.

Edited March 28, 2012 by Anirban63

[jyyhope]

Trying to contact ML profs in Wisconsion might help. If any of your interested prof say s/he can give you RA funding after the first year or so, it might help you decide.