MS Applied Stats - best options?

[James_7]

So here's my thing - was biostats-bound until a month ago I realized I want to try something outside of medical research, so I changed my mind to applied statistics (can always get into biostats if desired). Applied rather than pure because I am not interested in in-depth theoretical stats.

 

I've worked in clinical trials for the past two years. My degree is in bio and I am generally not the strongest stats applicant. Still, I was told I sound like a "perfect applicant" by one program director/professor.

 

So I know I have a shot, the question is which schools. I am not sure how to prioritize exactly, but since I'm guessing it's hard to get a job out of state, that I should try to go to a school in a state where I want to work. For that reason I'm thinking of crossing Michigan, Colorado State, and Ohio off my list. 

 

Next is not spending too much money for the degree, so I'm crossing off CA schools with their sky-high out of state tuition.

 

So what I have left is Loyola (Chicago), and UT-San Antonio (would try to get a job in Austin after graduating). Any ideas or advice? I also crossed off NJ institute of tech because it seemed too biostats-oriented.

[clurp]

UT Austin also has an MS in stats, if you're interested in Austin. 

 

They have faculty working in stats and biostats, and their department is pretty applied.

[James_7]

UT Austin also has an MS in stats, if you're interested in Austin. 

 

They have faculty working in stats and biostats, and their department is pretty applied.

 

Would be nice but sadly I'd have to wait another year since they want several more pre-reqs than the other schools.