Hi all, I got accepted as a transfer after 1 year at a CC to SJSU for SE and CSULB for CS (I’m in-state, norcal). It seems cost wise they are about the same and I will likely be getting an off-campus studio apartment either way, so speaking purely in terms of post-graduation opportunities, which one should I go for? CSULB seems like the more competitive school and I do like that CS seems to have more variety of CS material to learn (and I like LA), but SJSU is right in the middle of silicon valley. From my understanding SJSU SE grooms you for a job there, but my main question is, which program is overall better for a CS career (potentially pursuing a Master’s afterwards or earnings after graduating)? Thank you!
if you KNOW you want to work in Silicon Valley, SJ is the obvious choice. If you aren’t certain - and prefer the LB campus, major, student experience LB makes more sense.
There are a LOT of companies in Orange County and LA County employing CS/SE grads and they don’t really care where you went to school.
As long as you have decent grades and a good understanding of the coursework, you are good to go.
Make sure that your internship, in junior year, is at a company where your interest lies.
FYI-Housing around Silicon will continue to be VERY expensive.
Housing is expensive in SoCal, but the Bay Area’s prices are even more pricey.
College Scorecard lists a higher pay level soon after graduation in CS for SJSU than CSULB (~$100k versus ~$72k). However, there is no specific entry for software engineering at SJSU.
The difference is probably very location related.