Civil Eng Grad Program: UCLA, UIUC, Purdue?

Graduate School
1

<p>I was admitted to UCLA, UIUC, and Purdue's graduate programs for civil engineering (focusing on structures). Unfortunately, I can't come to a decision on which to choose. I know UIUC and Purdue's grad program undoubtedly surpasses UCLA's, but UCLA's program is still decently good.</p>

<p>A key/recurring concern in my decision is the price. UCLA would be significantly cheaper by almost half since I'm a CA resident. That being said, I also don't want to give up a better opportunity out of sheer stinginess. I'm not one to be frugal when it comes to education, but I can't decide whether Purdue and UIUC would be worth the extra investment/cost. Does anyone know how well civil/structural engineering graduates from the each of these schools fare in securing jobs after graduating?</p>

<p>Thanks if you can help advise me in this, I've been mulling it over for a while and still can't figure it out :/</p>

2

<p>I am a senior thinking about grad schools too…</p>

<p>if it were me, I wouldn’t have even thought about UIUC or Purdue. UCLA and UCB would be my top choices (in-state tuition) and maybe UIUC/Purdue as back ups </p>

<p>if u like Purdue/uiuc costs could be covered with an RA/TA (assuming were’ talking M.S) but most schools won’t offer until after a semester or two…so u risk not knowing if u’ll get anything</p>

<p>u could also move to indiana or illinois and work for a couple years and then apply M.S. with in-state tuition (again, this all seems ridiculous to me, I’d be at UCLA in a heartbeat)</p>