Masters or PhD in stats?

[sidneysamson]

Is there any reason to go for a masters instead of a ph.d if funding is a concern?

I would rather not pay for a full year or two of tuition out of pocket so I was applying to Ph.D. programs instead. I figure I could leave early with my masters if I don't want to continue. Is this frowned upon?

Also are there masters programs that provide funding? I'm looking at some Canadian universities as well because I heard those had funding for their masters programs. Can someone confirm this?

[bedmas]

Most canadian stats masters programs offer a tuition waiver, as well as a stipend. I'm not sure what the deal is for funding for international students, though.