Choosing a college for computer science?

Hello, I’m nearly finished with the college search and application process and am now deciding on where to spend the next 4 years (Hopefully!). I’ve been accepted to Penn State University Park, Rutgers New Brinswick, and Uconn (main campus). I’m expecting an acceptance to Boston University based on other accepted students, and I’m expecting a rejection from Northeastern University as I was wait listed in November. The last 2 Boston schools I haven’t given huge consideration as the 60k loans would put me at a mortgage payment upon leaving college. That being said, I would consider if any of you have good insight to justify the cost. I intend on pursuing a major in Computer science as I love coding and building applications along with building computers themselves and I see it as a growing career path both now and in the future. Rutgers and PSU are both ranked closely being 34 and 32 in the nation respectively for CS Uconn is further behind. I’m a NJ resident so in state tuition is a huge plus. I love the city and Rutgers proximity to NYC is fantastic for internships and co ops but Penn state has a large alumni and probably great internships as well. Anybody have experience with co ops at these schools? I see employment as a huge swaying point. Although I love the city, modern campus amentities I would rank higher, I’m from a relatively suburban town as is. I’ve been to Rutgers and it was nice, have not been to PSU yet. I would say Rutgers campus was acceptable but not great in terms of this. I’m also very social so the fraternity and party scene is relatively important although nowhere near as important as education. I’d like to have a good time most weekends. Financially, I will be taking on all of my students loans which is a small portion for choosing the major I did as the starting salary and employment opportunities are very good and I’ll live comfortably in most foreseeable situations. I didn’t get an incredible amount of money from any school so I’m close to the base cost. Any thoughts? What would you all do?

I don’t see a particular advantage or disadvantage to any of these schools. By the time you get to the 30s, rankings at this point don’t matter much. What you want to look for is a sufficient breadth of courses in algorithms/theory, systems, AI and applications. They all seem about equivalent to me. If money is tight, it’s hard to see how anything but Rutgers makes sense.

^ +1

Agree with the others. The rankings are so close that it is irrelevant. If money is an issue, go to Rutgers and minimize loans.

Rutgers seems to be the smartest option, financially.

Considering you’re in-state for Rutgers, and you’re fine staying in NJ, there’s no compelling reason to go choose one of the others.

Unless you’ve visited the campuses of the other schools and think the culture there will benefit you more, take the money. All the schools you listed are highly reputable and no one will see you as less for picking the cheaper in-state option.

In general, CS is a field that is school neutral. I’m fortunate to work for a great company in the IT department and we are far more concerned with your skills than we are with the name on your diploma. Do yourself a favor and go with less debt.

A few world of background: I have a PhD in computer science and work in AI so I can offer some advice. I think Rutgers will be fine choice for you. The startup scene in New York is great nowadays and you will have many options for internships. Don’t stint on math courses. You can’t know too much about areas like probability. The only thing that I would add is that to get into the hottest fields such as AI, its advisable that you consider getting a masters degree. if you graduate with good grades from Rutgers, you should have no problem getting into graduate programs at any good university.

No one has heard from UConn yet. How did you get an acceptance? They admit in March unless you are in pre-med/vet or Pharm or Honors.

Are you direct admit to the CS programs or do you need to apply to CS after completing required coursework with a minimum GPA?

The CUNY Macaulay Honors program has a fantastic track record. Lehman has probably one of the most attractive and most stereotypical “traditional” college campuses in the CUNY system. Except for the train station next door you would never know you’re in New York City.

Rutgers New Brunswick/Piscatway. It will be cheaper since it’s in-state. They’re all good state flagships