<p>Hello,</p>
<p>I'm an international student who had a tough time in recent months with college applications. Got accepted at several colleges but somehow didn't get enough aid (not even close to consider). As a result I'd no college to go to in this fall even 48 hours earlier before things changed as I got accepted at a university (ABET actd.) (in the 190-210 zone of Time Higher Education ranking. I know ranking doesn't mean anything as I'll not learn anything by going to just a top university unless i stay motivated during college years.). And the worst* part of it that at the same time of the day I got reply from Troy University and there are some confusions regarding the scholarships but I can get this fixed in coming days. The scholarship will bring down the costs to ~10K over 12 months.</p>
<p>But the problems start here as I've no idea at the moment (please don't bash me with words as there are literally no one to help me on such problems.) as I don't know much about Troy University (AL) and if I go there, I'll major in CS. At the other college, I'm pretty sure I'm going to major in EE (I'm undecided between CS and EE however EE is the likely major I want to pursue.).</p>
<p>Would it be better if I go to Troy or the other one? Money isn't the main concern here now really as one will cost me 10K while other will most likely cost me <4K per year as I was offered a huge scholarship.</p>
<p>Troy is still in the list because from what I hear it has one of the best CS programs in the state of Alabama. But I'm not sure if ditching a college with international reputation is a great idea. I've no idea on the further education to be honest.
I might go to grad school but I'm not sure at the moment. </p>
<p>What would you do if you were exactly in my position (remember I was deeply interested in pursuing higher education in US although I'm not inclined to do if I can go to a "better" university.). And if I happen to choose the university with international reputation, what will be my choice in terms of grad school (I've no idea on the grad school admission process)? Will it be a good choice if I want to come to US for my grad school?</p>
<p>*worst because if wasn't Troy I would have far better problem. I would definitely go to the 190-210 zone one. </p>
<p>thank you so much for your help. :) </p>
<p>
It would be helpful if you could name the other school.</p>
<p>Troy doesn’t even crack the top 400 in those world rankings, right? I say go to the more affordable option that is likely a better school academically, where it sounds like you can major in what you want to, that is ABET accredited, and is cheaper for you. </p>
<p>@snarlatron it’s Bilkent. Heard of it? it’s in turkey. Fully ABET accredited. I guess that means grad schools in US will recognize it right?</p>
<p>@intparent thanks a lot. I’m struggling to decide on what should I do. They offered me the best deal and with it, i can choose any major I want during first year. it’s way cheaper really ~4K after all costs and I’ll get work permit after first year. However, I’m worried about the “value” of the degree. Many people would consider the “value” would be much lower. because it’s a “turkish” degree not a US one. but I guess there is minimal quality ensured by ABET accredition? My father will retire. That makes it worse. I don’t want to be burden on them. They already have done a lot for me.</p>
<p>ABET is ABET. Bilkent is perfectly well recognized by grad programs in the fields it offers. Don’t worry about that.</p>
<p>Who is it that thinks a degree from Bilkent is not as valuable as a degree from a university like Troy? Your friends? The only people whose advice you should take about your choice of university are people in your country who actually hire recent college graduates in CS or EE.</p>
<p>I understand why you feel as though there is a supposed premium associated with attending an American college but in all honesty, Troy isn’t really worth it. Especially if you want to go to graduate school, the wise thing to do would be to go to Bilkent.</p>
<p>Though for CS, no employers (at least in the US) actually care if a CS program is ABET or not.</p>
<p>Though Troy isn’t really a school that will give your resume a boost either. It may help with a job search in the US (simply because you’re here), but it’s probably better to aim for a better grad school in the US after Bilkent if you intend to go to grad school.</p>
<p>EE may be different. Grad school application may be different.</p>
<p>I’m not sure if my input is going to help or not.</p>
<p>Ask your heart what you REALLY want to do. like doing a job at US or going to grad school later?</p>
<p>With all due respect to Troy, no you can’t compare Bilkent and Troy. You simply can’t. Just because it’s an US school doesn’t mean it’s good and all schools of the planet are for idiots.</p>
<p>And most importantly, what if you don’t like CS major? When it comes down to EE and CS, I hope you know the differences as they are polar opposite in terms of work. At Troy you won’t get a chance to switch to another area if you’re interested (I’m not sure if you’re interested in other areas but I guess people change in college 
), but at Bilkent, you’ll get that opportunity. While ranking doesn’t mean anything as you said, but it matters when you’re going to a “World Class” university with nearly full ride (Bilkent easily costs you ~23K for a year.) You’ll be given preferences at MANY things (many people people may find this irritating but it will simply because you’ll have higher time to put in research and such things at there).</p>
<p>How you are planning on to fund Troy? 4K vs 10K? if you need to work, then I would say please go to Bilkent. It’s a good university. And you can’t beat a full ride. you’re going to graduate from college with only 16K. a lot I guess? save that 24K for grad school. you can do Masters if you want with that money. </p>
<p>it’s my opinion though. just ask your heart and that ■■■■ already know what you want to become trust me.</p>