<p>I am admitted to both schools with IU offering 4k/yr more in merit scholarship (should've taken the SAT a third time). My sense is that Purdue has a better program and reputation with all of the emphasis on science, math, and engineering. It's so hard to sort out though. Relying on a sense of things is not the best approach so any concrete input is much appreciated. Oh, and I am not the most outgoing person, but getting better, so if any input regarding support and atmosphere would be great. Thanks. David</p>
<p>You would be pretty silly to go to IU for anything science related, especially anything computer science or engineering related when you have an acceptance from Purdue. I honestly didn’t even know that IU had computer science since they do not have any engineering department so to speak, and often the CS is either in or closely related to the College of Engineering. Take Purdue. You won’t be disappointed.</p>
<p>I presume you are in state. You didn’t mention how tight the money is and the signifcance of this, however if you perform well that will be taken care of easily with a CS degree and good career. I actually see that IU has a very innovative program in Informatics which at first glance seems to hide the pure computer science program. IU has some great faculty and an award winning freshman transition program so I’m gathering this impressed you on a visit? Otherwise the engineering reputation of Purdue might make this a no brainer. More input regarding you?</p>
<p>I was impressed by the faculty and the small atmosphere of the computer science department at IU. It seemed like a small school inside a big school. Purdue’s CS department seemed huge compared to IU and in a weird way it made it attractive and concerned me at the same time. It seems like they would have more to offer, however I am not sure what the size, resources, and huge number of faculty means for the individual student. As I’m writing this it occured to me this is the 'ol big vs small college debate. So really I guess I’m trying to figure out if 1. is Purdue that much more respected if at all, and 2. if so how important is that especially if IU is a big ten.</p>
<p>Purdue is much more respected that IU in sciences in general. It isn’t even really close. That said, you can still get a quality education at IU. Having Purdue on your resume when it comes time to get a job or go to grad school will help set you apart slightly and get you and interview, but once you get the interview, the school doesn’t matter, you just have to be a good interviewee. Going to IU won’t keep you from getting that same interview, but it won’t do much to help make up for any weaknesses that may or may not be on your resume at that time.</p>