Rutgers vs UMass Amherst for Statistics MS

[statsgirl8]

Hey everyone. I am still waiting to hear back from a few programs, but I am in a little bit of dilemma with my two of my best acceptances. I am from NJ and have been accepted to the Statistics MS program at Rutgers, which I know is ranked 37 by US News for statistics. I would also receive in state tuition and be only 40 minutes away from my family, which is a huge plus. I worry about the safety of the New Brunswick area, but I feel like Rutgers has a better academic reputation than UMass. 

 

Meanwhile, I also received a tuition waiver and a 12,500 TA ship from Umass with the statistics masters program. I know that they math department is very good at Umass, but I have not visited and do not know what the area is like or how the department is. Financially this offer is wonderful, but I have never taught and worry about being far from home.

 

Does anyone have any advise about the reputation of the department and what would be the better pick. Money is important, but I am willing to pay a little more to be happy. I am curious what would be better preparation for a PhD degree down the road.

 

Thanks