Cheaper MS program (Bioinformatics/Applied Stats) or Reputable MS program?

Graduate School
1

<p>I'm going to keep this short and concise so it's easy to understand.</p>

<ul>
<li><p>Currently an upcoming junior (Bio major/math minor) getting ready to take GREs and thinking about which graduate schools to go to.</p></li>
<li><p>Doesn't want a lot more debt added onto undergrad debt (~60k)</p></li>
<li><p>Thinking about ONLY applying to 2 programs of interest (MS in Bioinformatics or Applied Statistics) at state school (IUPUI) 30 minutes away.</p></li>
<li><p>Pros of commuting from parents home to state university: </p></li>
</ul>

<ol>
<li><p>Doesn't have to worry about living expenses, food, bills etc.</p></li>
<li><p>If I end up getting a job/fellowship/TA position, I can use ALL of my money to use towards my debts as I'm going to school.</p></li>
<li><p>State school (IUPUI) is actually surrounded by some good facilities such as the medical school and pharmaceutical research facility.</p></li>
<li><p>Very cheap. If my calculations are correct, I would only be paying 18-20k for a masters degree </p></li>
</ol>

<p>Cons of commuting from parents home to state university:</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Stuck with parents for a couple of more years</p></li>
<li><p>State university might not have the best reputation.</p></li>
</ol>

<ul>
<li>Pros of going to a more reputable program:</li>
</ul>

<ol>
<li><p>Better reputation, meaning possibly better job prospects.</p></li>
<li><p>Away from parents.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>Cons of going to a more reputable program:</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Having to take out A LOT more in loans (I checked the other ones in state and IUPUI is the cheapest tuition wise).</p></li>
<li><p>Would have to pay housing for 2 years along with food and other expenses.</p></li>
<li><p>Overall, would put me in more debt than I would be able to handle.</p></li>
</ol>

2

<p>Help!!! I know there’s someone that can answer my questions!!</p>

3

<p>Help!!! Please.</p>

4

<p>Need help please</p>

5

<p>You have 18 months to think about it. Relax.</p>

<p>IUPUI is a perfectly reputable school and the less debt you have, the better.</p>

6

<p>Less debt.</p>

7

<p>You may want to consider another alternative.
Many graduate programs have assistanceships for research or teaching. If you will be attending full time you should definitely seek out a program with an RA or at least a TA. I would go for the best training available. Those programs that are good will have assistanceships even for a masters degree. That means free tuition and a living stipend. Think about what area of the field interests you most and look for researchers who are active in it. You may not know if you are only starting junior year of college. You have lots of options. Its good you are starting to think about them. Maybe you will even want to do a Phd.
talk to professors who know the field. If you are worried about current debt maybe work for a year ortwo before grad school to pay it off. But definitely go to a quality grad school that willnpay your way. Generally I also suggest living away from home as a growth experience but that’s a personal choice. Goodluck</p>