Top Statistics Graduate Programs
Find out the kinds of degree programs and research facilities that three top universities offer to their statistics graduate students. Learn about ranking data and specialization options for these schools.
How to Choose a Statistics Graduate Program
Some programs prepare students for research-based careers, while others may lead to applied statistics positions in the business world. Look for faculty who have received awards or recognition for research in their fields. Consider programs that are ranked by U.S. News & World Report. You also might prioritize schools that offer hands-on statistical research or consulting opportunities.
What are Three Top Schools With a Statistics Graduate Program?
Cornell University in Ithaca, NY
In 2019, U.S. News & World Report ranked Cornell University tied for 16th among national universities. The same organization ranked the school tied for 20th for its graduate statistics programs in 2018.
The Master of Professional Studies (MPS) program offers a specialization in statistical analysis or data-centered statistics. Students pursuing a doctoral degree are required to select two external minors, like mathematics or computer science. Graduate students benefit from research assistance offered by the Cornell Statistical Consulting Unit, the Survey Research Institute or the Cornell Institute for Social and Economic Research. The following graduate programs are available:
- MPS in Applied Statistics
- Ph.D. in Statistics
Ohio State University (OSU) in Columbus
In 2019, U.S. News & World Report ranked OSU tied 56th among national universities. As of 2018, OSU was tied 37th for its graduate statistics program. Professors in OSU's Department of Statistics have received Fulbright Fellowship and IBM Faculty awards.
Students can work as tutors in the Mathematics and Statistics Learning Center or as volunteers for OSU's Statistics in the Community organization. Departmental research groups include Spatial Statistics & Environmental Statistics and the Mathematical Biosciences Institute. The Master of Applied Statistics program is designed for students interested in business or government statistics careers. Programs include:
- MAS in Statistics
- M.S. in Statistics
- Ph.D. in Statistics
- Ph.D. in Biostatistics
University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA is a public research university offering graduate degree programs. In 2019, U.S. News & World Report ranked UCLA tied 19th among national universities. The school's graduate statistics program was tied for 27th in 2018 by U.S. News & World Report.
Graduate students in UCLA's Department of Statistics receive hands-on training through the Statistical Consulting Center. The Department also hosts the Center for Statistical Computing and the Center for Environmental Statistics. An international exchange program with University College London is offered to qualified students. You could pursue these degrees:
- Master of Applied Statistics
- M.S. in Statistics
- Ph.D. in Statistics
Top Ten Schools for Graduate Statistics Programs
| College/University | Institution Type | Location | Estimated Graduate In-State Tuition* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stanford University | 4-year, Private | Stanford, CA | $51,000 |
| University of California - Berkeley | 4-year, Public | Berkeley, CA | $14,000 |
| Harvard University | 4-year, Private | Boston, MA | $47,000 |
| University of Washington | 4-year, Public | Seattle, WA | $16,500 |
| Johns Hopkins University | 4-year, Private | Baltimore, MD | $56,000 |
| University of Chicago | 4-year, Private | Chicago, IL | $59,000 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | 4-year, Private | Pittsburgh, PA | $44,000 |
| Duke University | 4-year, Private | Durham, NC | $55,000 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 4-year, Private | Philadelphia, PA | $39,000 |
| University of Michigan - Ann Arbor | 4-year, Public | Ann Arbor, MI | $23,000 |
*Source: NCES, U.S. Department of Education