Hello, everyone. My top two choices for college have been Virginia Tech and NC State, but, as I was deferred to State, I need to have a backup school. I have been accepted into UNC Charlotte and Clemson (with a 7.5k/year scholarship) and intend on majoring in Computer Science.
Clemson seems to be ranked higher, but is more expensive, even with the 7.5k/year scholarship. Are there any major differences in either the campus feel, engineering, or computer science programs at these schools I should consider? Is job placement good at both of them?
Thanks for your time!
Location: Charlotte, NC area
Major: CS
ACT: 32
SAT: 2080
GPA 3.31/3.98 at difficult private school
Depends on what you can afford. I think Clemson is stronger than UNC-C but you’ll have to look at specific program to see if cost difference is worth, for instance, taking on lots of debt. Post this question in Clemson (or UNCC) forum to get more specifics about programs.
If you haven’t visited UNCC yet, you should do so. The campus is practically unrecognizable from about 10 or 15 years ago. The university is working hard to transform itself from a commuter school; it’s constructed new buildings everywhere on campus and recently added a football team. For computer science, it’s a perfectly good option and the most popular in NC after State. The expansion of the light rail to the university area will be very nice for students.
Clemson is stronger in engineering than UNCC, but the primary difference between the two is that Clemson has a more traditional college feel (e.g. more students living on campus, a considerably larger Greek scene, more extracurricular offerings, etc.) and is located in a more rural, very pretty location.
If you’re paying full freight at both, UNCC would be much cheaper even with the Clemson scholarship ($10K per year if living on campus, $20+K per year if living at home and commuting), as you noted. If you wind up disliking UNCC, it wouldn’t be too difficult to transfer to NC State after doing well as a freshman.
First all, you still have a chance to get in NCSU. So keep your fingers crossed for that.
If money is not a factor, go to Clemson.
If it is a big factor, consider what warblersrule suggested and try to transfer to NCSU after a year at UNCC.
Who knows? You might have a great year at UNCC and decide to stay.
I transferred to UNCC back in the stone age and was not impressed but UNCC has changed a lot since then.
My kids went to NCSU and ECU. They were really glad to graduate debt free. There’s a lot to be said for that.