BS in Computer Science: UA or Chico

<p>Major: BS in Computer Science</p>

<p>Currently stuck on deciding between two schools. Im between University of Arizona and Cal State Chico.</p>

<p>Im currently in California, so Chico is the much cheaper school. That is a huge factor in my decision. (cost)</p>

<p>From what I know, UA is a much more respected school, and I would think when graduating I would have a better future with a resume from UA rather than Chico.</p>

<p>Will either school have much of a difference?</p>

<p>People keep telling me that UA is the better option, but is it worth it to pay the extra amount? I would have to take out a substantial loan, and it would be tight for my parents. It could be done though.</p>

<p>CSU Chico has ABET accreditation in both computer science and computer engineering.</p>

<p>Arizona has ABET accreditation in computer engineering. You may want to check the course offerings in computer science to see that it has the breadth and depth of course offerings that you want. (Computer engineering is commonly more hardware oriented than computer science, which is commonly more software and theory oriented.)</p>

<p>ABET accreditation is a fairly high minimum standard assuring a decent quality degree program, although there are high quality computer science degree programs without ABET accreditation (although there are also low quality computer science degree programs without ABET accreditation).</p>

<p>With respect to employment prospects, try calling or visiting the career centers and asking which companies come visit to recruit interns and graduating seniors. If few come to visit, then you may have to be more aggressive at searching for companies to apply to.</p>

<p>However, it is likely that the net cost difference is the deciding factor. Large student loans are not a good idea (note that the subsidized Stafford loan limit is $23,000 for all four years).</p>

<p>Yeah I would be taking the maximum amount out for the Stafford loan. And yes I want to be more affiliated with the software field rather than hardware. Computer science is my major of choice.</p>

<p>Here is the major details for Computer Science at UA:
[Degree</a> Search: Explore the UA’s Degree Plans](<a href=“http://degreesearch.arizona.edu/plan/132294]Degree”>http://degreesearch.arizona.edu/plan/132294)</p>

<p>Here is a list of all the Computer Science courses at UA:
<a href=“http://www.cs.arizona.edu/courses/descriptions.html[/url]”>http://www.cs.arizona.edu/courses/descriptions.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Looking at the four year plan, I would be taking multiple computer science and lab science courses, but Im not sure if it is ABET accredited.</p>

<p>I will look more into the intern recruitment for both schools as well.</p>