<p>Just got accepted for the environmental engineering program from stanford and berkeley's master of engineering science. Unfortunately both of the schools did not offer me any finanical aid for the masters program and would only support me until I start my pHD. UC Irvine on the other hand has given me a fullride for the masters program. I'm having a difficult time choosing what school I should go for. Since I'm not pursuing my pHD, would it matter what school I went to for my masters? Does anyone know how much more employers are more likely to pay an stanford or berkeley graduate compared to other schools like UC Irvine or Davis? Is it worth it to pay $33,000 of tution a year at stanford, even though their environmental engineering program is ranked number one in the nation?</p>
<p>Research their placement records....tough call.</p>
<p>wow. if environmental engineering is in any way similar (demand-wise in the work force) to the other engineering fields, then ABSOLUTELY 2 years at Stanford is worth it. I'm not too clear on the engineering fields (especially environmental) but I know that for Computing Science, it is a BIG deal to come from Stanford. You'd make that money back in no time.</p>
<p>where would i find the schools placement records?</p>
<p>there was another thread in this forum that posted 2007 US News rankings for graduate programs.</p>
<p>I think this guy/gal had subscription to the US News or something. I think his/her userid was "forumstalker".</p>
<p>the thread didn't have environmental engineering (I searched, but i could be wrong), but perhaps they'd be nice enough to send it to you if you messaged him/her.</p>
<p>This is a hard decision. Unlike Comp Sci, Environmental Engineers and Civil Engineers coming out of the top schools won't be making bank. So this is a rather huge investment.</p>
<p>go to Stanford.</p>
<p>unless you are in an extremely tough financial situation I'd say Stanford, or Cal. Because I mean those are opportunities that very few people have access to.</p>
<p>A similar question. For PhD in Civil Eng, of the following situations, what would be best for a career in research ? Berkeley with Funding, Stanford with basic funding, Illinois with fantastic offer, MIT with 1/2 tuition and then if all works out funding in subsequent years. Will be visiting the Cal schools next week and will find out more then about funding. Illinois was great. Also have other very good offers. This is confusing and opinions would be appreciated. I know that a good fit w/ program and advisor is mandatory.</p>
<p>Based on experience, the most prominent researchers have come from Berkeley. Its a bit of a meat grinder in the Civil field however.</p>
<p>If u chose irvine for the money, which is perfectly reasonable and I'm sure you'll get a great education there, can u see yourself regretting not going to Stanford or Cal?</p>
<p>Thanks, for your reply. This is information for a friend who was much more sucessful than anticipated so applied to several of the top schools. Admitted to all, so now a hard decision awaits. Still in visitation process. Not all funding known yet. If outside funding (difficult) should miraculously appear, what would be the top choice amongst MIT, Stanford, Berkeley, and Illinois.Thanks again.</p>
<p>Stanford is well, Stanford. I'd walk half way across to the world to Palo Alto if I ever got in.</p>
<p>You guys are ridiculous..=). I'm pretty close to choosing another school over Stanford.</p>
<p>20Legend
walking half way across the world to palo alto and getting slammed with $55,000 of tution and living expenses would make me a very unhappy graduate student. haha. </p>
<p>I think I'm going with cal, the more affordable alternative.</p>
<p>If ur planning on doing a PhD then you could perhaps go to Irvine funded for the masters and then go back to Stanford / Berkeley for your Phd[they will take u again in all probability]. If you only want a masters then you might want to invest the big bucks which will work out in your favour in the long run.</p>
<p>Many schools don't accept MS degrees from other schools, so he'd still have to retake all of those classes in order to get the MS degree (and pay for it).</p>
<p>Stanford and Berkeley for civil will take MS degrees from other schools.</p>