2017 The Decision TV special (UW vs NYU)

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No, not quite as important as Lebron's decision, but I do have to make one in the next 10 days or so. I have 2 offers for Masters in Data Science programs from the following universities:

University of Washington at Seattle - Masters in Data Science

Tuition: ~45k, 5k department scholarship for 2017-2018

Pros: Has better regarded comp sci and applied math program, smaller cohort (~50), cheaper, Seattle is a big tech area with lower cost of living, 

Cons: Relatively new program, no graduates yet to give employment statistics, Seattle is gloomy

NYU - Masters in Data Science

Tuition: ~62k, no funding yet

Pros: More established and high profile program, NYU really looks out to make sure their students get jobs/internships, more DS faculty members to work with

Cons: more expensive both in tuition and cost of living, have to move to NYC (far from california), larger cohort expected (up to ~100)

 

I currently live in silicon valley, and plan to work probably in tech after graduation, although I am open minded. I want to conduct some meaningful research while I am at either school, and have contacted several professors. I can probably round up another 5k or so in external scholarship/grants before fall, but most of the cost I will have to foot via my saved $ unless I do RA/TA-ships. In fact I suspect my decision will come down to what individual professors can offer me in terms of research work/funding from either school. 

Thoughts?