I have been admitted to both these schools and am having trouble deciding. First, let me state that prestige is not the most important factor. I plan to get a masters (not a phd) in math to teach at community college. Money is a factor, and both gave me aid to cover COA, but CalPoly includes about $4000 more/yr in loans. Although, CP offers a 4+1 bs/ms while UCB does not. I like the idea of more personal attention at CP, and also their applied math major looks interesting, but I just can’t decide if UCB is better enough to give those up. Any tips would be appreciated. I will not be able to visit either before deciding.
When you figure out the cost to attend, add the parts that aren’t gift money up as that is part of your costs. So you add your EFC + loans + student contribution/workstudy to get net cost to you. So you have to borrow the extra 4k for Cal Poly over UCB?
I think you should go to the one where you find the best fit and feel you will do the best. Many people will prefer the advantages of the greater world you will be exposed to at UCB, academically and from your peers and the grad students and you can see what they are up to. However you have good reasons to pick Cal Poly too.
However, I don’t think your goal is realistic. Faculty positions are extremely competitive, you may be at a large disadvantage as a MS. It is very hard to make a living as an adjunct. You would be hired to teach remedial type classes and would need experience and you don’t get paid much or get any benefits and health insurance, it is a horrible situation. So be prepared to do other things with your math degree.
There is a glut of PhDs these days so while back in the day a MS was fine for teaching at a CC (and that’s the degree many of the older faculty have, protected by seniority rules) many younger faculty members have a PhD and juggle jobs at low pay. But, please, don’t take my word or anonymous advice about this! From your screen name you are a xfer student yourself, so go talk to the dept chair of Math at your CC and ask about the hiring situation.
I would go to Berkeley to keep all your options opened. Especially it’s a bit cheaper than Cal Poly.