<p>I have recently applied to several colleges to pursue an undergraduate degree (at minimum) in Computer Science. Overall, I want to eventually land a career in Computer Software Engineering although instead of just getting a degree in Software Engineering, I have done alot of research and conclude that a Computer Science degree is generally more valuable. The dilema...which school should I choose? My choices are NIU, SIUC, and MSOE (Milwaukee School of Engineering). Currently in community college taking as many general education courses as possible, NIU as of now is the most convenient because I live not far (Top of Illinois) and financially it is an in-state college. The only thing is, NIU has no ABET accredited Computer Science programs of which SIUC and MSOE do but SIU is very far and MSOE is expensive. What I am asking from somebody with knowledge in this field or have/are attending these colleges, is NIU going to be worth attending? What I can say is that NIU has many math classes that I can take so that is also a plus. Furthermore, I am waiting to hear from UIUC and if I am accepted from there it is game over with all the other schools. For now, it is just between NIU, SIU, and MSOE. So, if you were in my predicament, which school do you think would be the best decision? Also, if you have any reasonable Compter Science/Engineering colleges (Not Harvard or Stanford because I only have an average GPA of 3.0 tops) on your mind I would be glad if you shared.</p>
<p>Hi, there is a discussion right now about CS at ISU and UIUC here
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/1090951-computer-science-illinois-state-university-illinois-champaign.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/1090951-computer-science-illinois-state-university-illinois-champaign.html</a></p>
<p>You could also consider UI Springfield as well as ISU. It seems to me that the general reqs for the CS degree at NIU aren’t as rigorous as at ISU. NIU wants a semeseter of Calc - business Calc is OK - whereas ISU wants 2 semesters, for example.</p>
<p>I have checked out ISU’s Computer Science program and it seems weak. Not trying to be picky although I just want to make a wise decision. If I had the chance to attend UIUC of course I would take it although, as of now, I only have the opportunity between NIU, SIU, and MSOE. Also, ISU doesn’t offer many engineering classes to begin with. That’s why I want to know if NIU is going to overall be worth attending.</p>