<p>Currently an undergrad at the Uni. of Hawaii with about 2 more years to go. I would like to get an MS in Computer Science at a West coast university. most likey not able to transfer as an undergrad due to personal reasons.</p>
<p>Berkeley is one of my top picks as I hear they have an excellent CS department. however I've always had an eye on stanford. however cost of tuition and availability of financial aid is a big issue. i have a wife and a four month old son to support. school would have to almost entirely be paid for with savings, part time job, fin aid and if necessary, student loans.</p>
<p>It should be noted I am also considering a PhD in CS/CompE and I would like to go to a university that would expose and open up doors for Research opprotunities.</p>
<p>PhD study in computer science and engineering is typically funded with a fellowship, research assistantship, and/or teaching assistantship (basically tuition waiver and stipend for living expenses). Master’s degree study is less likely to be funded.</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.eecs.berkeley.edu/Gradnotes/Content/Section4.pdf[/url]”>http://www.eecs.berkeley.edu/Gradnotes/Content/Section4.pdf</a>
<a href=“https://cs.stanford.edu/education/masters/prospective-students/faq[/url]”>https://cs.stanford.edu/education/masters/prospective-students/faq</a></p>
<p>You can apply directly to PhD programs as you complete your bachelor’s degree.</p>
<p>You can’t go wrong either way. Seriously.</p>
<p>While I’m inclined to recommend Stanford for undergrad (private funding FTW), you can’t go wrong either way for Grad School. </p>
<p>I will say that both programs are insanely competitive to get into, and definitely not a sure thing for any candidate. Good luck.</p>
<p>Berkeley’s and Stanford’s MS programs are quite different.</p>
<p>Stanford’s program is not research-focused. If you want to get into research it may not be the right choice for you. Stanford does have the option to do a “research emphasis”, but that’s easier said than done. And it’s up to you to seek out research opportunities.</p>
<p>Stanford’s MS is easier to get into. There are two reasons for that. 1. You need to pay for Stanford yourself. 2. Berkeley is very selective with their MS students, they prefer to take PhDs. Most MS students I have met have had previous relationships with the university/faculty, which got them admission.</p>
<p>For PhDs, both are top schools, and you will need outstanding research experience and recommendations to have a chance.</p>