Just a suggestion from a professor - go to the best school you can get in to. Your chances of finding a job (which shouldn’t be too bad with a grad degree in econ and stats, even in this economy) will be much better if you go to a highly rated school where the recruiters are knocking on your door.
They make knock at NC State, but higher status jobs (more interesting and with better organizations) will be available to you if you graduate from a top school. It is worth the effort and the money to go to the best school - for your purposes. Check out schools departmental reputations. Just because a school has a big name, doesn’t mean all of its departments are excellent.
Usually I suggest getting in and out as quickly as possible, but in this case, I will agree with a poster who suggested you spend a bit more time getting the degree, and less in financial aid. I think you should be able to get some TA work which will help with living money and usually pays your tuition. If you have to extend the degree for 1 year, that’s not too bad. Don’t do it forever, plus, schools usually have a dead line for completing the degree, so you can’t take too long.
Good luck.
I agree which is why I chose NCSU! I have applied 2 times to Carolina (First in High School, second as a transfer in econ with a 3.o+ gpa and 3.0+ major gpa) and was refused admittance both times. Didn’t even bother with Grad because they only do PhD and not a terminal Masters.
NCSU has one of the best stats departments in the nation along with a decently ranked Econ program. It was the best, most economical choice for me once Carolina was out.
I am attempting to wrangle a TA or RA position but the department is reluctant to give them to Masters students. I am now going to each of my professors who wrote me recommendations and asking them personally if they would like an RA who they know very well and who is a hard worker and wouldn’t mind being a virtual slave! ;)