I've received admits to the above-stated programs. I'd like to know which one would be a better option. I'm interested in pursuing research-related roles after MS, not regular SDE roles. I might even do a PhD in the future. I'm interested in working in the intersection of Computer Systems and ML (I have previous research experience in this field). Further, the MS in AI (the thesis-based one) program at TAMU gives me the liberty to choose 3 CS courses of my choice (I emailed the univ about my choices, and they agreed). This makes it almost equivalent to a regular MSCS in terms of coursework and the research that I'd be doing in MSCS. Also, it is located in the Texas Triangle, which does give it an advantage.
UNC Chapel Hill's proximity to the Research Triangle Park (RTP) apparently gives it the location advantage ig (Though the r/triangle subreddit doesn't have very good reviews about the opportunities currently). However, some posts on Reddit claim that UNCCH has a better name for medical-related research areas than CSE. Further, its ranking on csrankings.org is below TAMU's. Also the admit clearly states that getting an assistantship is unlikely. I'm looking to try and become an RA, and this is not what I'd want to hear.
The per-year fee for TAMU MSAI seems to be lower than UNNCH MSCS (based on my calculations).
However, UNCCH MSCS does seem to have a good brand value, which confuses me.
This is how I've been trying to reason out my options. I'd like to hear your opinions. u/gradpilot, it would be great if you could reply here.