<p>Alright, so here's what's up. I've decided to major in Computer Engineering. As I'm from a little south of Pittsburgh, CMU is easily a prime choice. What I want to know is this: is CMU really worth the cost compared to PSU?</p>
<p>I've heard great things about both programs, and am aware that CMU's is regularly ranked in the top 3 or so nationally. But is the difference worth the cost in your opinion?</p>
<p>I'm fairly confident that I can be accepted into CMU and even their Electrical and Computer Engineering Program at that.</p>
<p>I think you would have a better time at Penn State, especially if it’s a significantly different cost. And I know for a fact that Penn State has a great engineering program - relative got a Ph.D from Penn State, and competes against MIT graduates and wins. Currently making 150K +, so Penn State can definitely make you successful.</p>
<p>Apply to both and make the decision in the spring.</p>
<p>Strict $ and Academics – Penn State with “caution” of know thyself and seek out tutoring help.</p>
<p>As a PA resident, I believe the “value” of Penn State varies. It is sink or swim environment for an 18 year old – sooo many good distractions from your studies that it is easy to not manage academic time well. Juggling housing and all red tape can be overwhelming. Honors College at Penn State is quite different – cuts out housing issues and red tape for some scheduling.</p>
<p>I’m a parent – I’d encourage my kid to go to Penn State satellite campus for 2 years instead of Main Campus if the kid didn’t get into Schreyer.</p>
<p>Sure, CMU might have an “elite” status, but remember, you are paying alot of money and you should go where you will be the happiest.</p>
<p>CMU and PSU are extremely different environment, so figure out which you’d enjoy more.</p>
<p>I live in PGH, and I can tell you that the school spirit/college atmosphere/experience at CMU is very low. </p>
<p>If you are social, enjoy going out, making friends, parties, sports, ect. - go with PSU. </p>
<p>Plus, PSU is a GREAT SCHOOL! If you plan on living in PA after graduation you can’t go wrong with it. </p>
<p>One of the major benefits about going to a school like PSU is that you can not only be a student, but a FAN, and that will last the rest of your life.</p>
<p>My brother goes to CMU (IS for now, trying to transfer to ECE), and everything he’s told me and what I’ve seen personally sounds like a great match for me. I’m not exactly “social,” and would much rather play video games on a Friday night than go to a football game…</p>
<p>I guess what I’m trying to decide is whether I’d like Penn State given its atmosphere, as opposed to that of Carnegie Mellon.</p>
<p>Can you get any financial aid from CMU ? That may help offset the difference in the cost of attending CMU vs PSU.</p>
<p>From what you wrote, it looks like CMU would be a better fit. You won’t have to make that decision though until you are accepted to both schools (i.e. CMU and PSU). Even though you may have the stats, that is by no means 100 % certain BTW. So, unless you want to apply ED to CMU, there is no reason to agonize over that dilemma right now.</p>
<p>BTW, in the latest USN&WR undergraduate engineering rankings, CMU was actually ranked #2 nationally in computer engineering. It’s hard to beat that (unless you go to MIT).</p>
<p>Don’t rule out the job connections with PSU. I’ve seen that strong alumni network in action. (No - I didn’t go to PSU).</p>
<p>Socially, I think 99% of folks can find the niche at PSU – plenty of hanging out with video games. And if you already aren’t a party person, I assume you’d be able to keep your head and balance the academics.</p>
<p>I suggest you apply to both. Neither is that much better/worse to rule out an application.</p>
<p>I don’t know why so many people are dismissing the value-added of a CMU degree given the particulars here. </p>
<p>Recruitment in CS/computer engineering coming out of CMU will be INCREDIBLE. If you say the atmosphere there also suits you, I’d think hard about turning down the opportunity. Were we talking about the humanities, social sciences or even hard sciences and other engineering fields, the money might well be hard to justify. Not here.</p>