Decision: NYU GSAS vs CCNY (CUNY), MS in Computer Science

Graduate School
1

<p>I've been accepted into NYU Graduate School of Arts and Science and CCNY's Grove School of Engineering for MS in Computer Science starting in spring 14. I've pretty much decided that I'll be attending NYU. But, I want to hear some opinion on whether you think I've made the best choice.</p>

<p>Here are the basis for my decision:
1) NYU faculty's research interests and specialties are much more aligned with my own interests in CS.</p>

<p>2) NYU's ranking in CS is much higher than CCNY's. US News ranked NYU 28 in CS (although this is probably for the PhD program) and CCNY isn't ranked in CS, but is 102 in electrical engineering.</p>

<p>3) I like NYU's environment better - both the location and the students. I prefer the more urban Washington Square Park over the more suburban Harlem. I live closer to NYU, 30 mins vs 1hr+ for CCNY. On top of that, I believe NYU students are more competent than CCNY's. I strongly believe this plays a factor in my motivation. I went to a CUNY for undergrad and most people there seem unmotivated and don't want to work.</p>

<p>4) I personally always liked NYU. I have two brothers doing undergrad at NYU right now. They both think it's a great school overall.</p>

<p>5) Though I hate to say it, having a diploma from NYU looks better than having one from CUNY. I think this is somewhat a factor for me to consider.</p>

<p>The cost is the only reason why picking NYU might not be in my best interest. The entire program at NYU is about 57-61k vs 15-16k at CCNY. I have no aid from NYU, and I expect the same for CCNY.</p>

<p>So, what do you guys think? Is is wise for me to pick NYU? Any other factors I should consider?</p>

<p>Any opinion is appreciated, thanks.</p>

2

<p>I wouldn’t say that Harlem is more “suburban” than Washington Square Park. Actually, Greenwich Village is a lot leafier and greener than most of Harlem, including most of the CCNY campus. But also for a 2-year program I wouldn’t make campus environment a motivating factor behind my decision. Also, grad school is completely different than undergrad; everyone who is in a grad program has chosen to be there, so overall levels of motivation are much higher than undergrad. I also wouldn’t assume that the NYU students are more competent; there are a variety of reasons why one chooses a lower-ranked program, including cost and proximity.</p>

<p>Assuming they don’t change the price per unit significantly, the 36-credit MS in CS program will cost you a little under $54,000 in tuition. Is someone covering your living arrangement for you, or will you be working part-time to cover your rent, or will you be borrowing money? Because that can add another $25,000 per year to cover room and board, leaving you in debt over $100K. Do people with the kinds of jobs you want make enough money to cover that kind of debt?</p>

<p>On the other hand, City College charges per semester, not per credit, and given that their master’s is only 30 credits you could probably finish in a year. That tuition would be a bit over $9,000. Even if it took you one extra semester to finish, that is a bit under $14,000. (I am assuming that you are an NYS resident since you say that you live nearby NYU; even if you aren’t, though, the cost is only about $21,000.) Still assuming that you borrow ~$25,000 a year to live, that’s a total cost of about $40,000-$64,000 (or $71,000 if you are OOS).</p>

<p>So we’re talking $14,000 vs. $54,000 for the cost without living expenses, and $40,000 vs. $104,000 for the cost with. I believe that your graduate degree really matters most for your first job out of grad school; after that, it’s mostly about your experience.</p>

<p>If I had a job that covered my living expenses (or some other source of income that would completely wipe it out) AND I had very little debt from undergrad (as in <$20,000), I would consider doing the NYU degree. That keeps your debt at a reasonable level that I think a person with a master’s in CS can afford, because I think most computer scientists can expect to make at least around $70,000 - especially in the Northeast - with their master’s.</p>

<p>If I had to borrow the money to cover my living expenses, I would select City College. That kind of debt is untenable, especially if you also have undergraduate debt to throw on top.</p>

<p>And if you are doing this master’s degree as a stepping stone to do a PhD, I would also definitely pick City College, UNLESS you wanted to do a PhD at NYU like for reals bad. And even then, I would still probably pick City College and just see if I could get into doing collaborative research with someone at NYU - it’s not like they’re across the world from each other, just a trip on the A train.</p>

3

<p>Thanks juillet. I really appreciate the time you put in for this.</p>

<p>I am a NYS resident. I live with my family, so my living expenses wouldn’t be a problem. It’ll be the same for both schools. I have no debt from undergrad (In fact, I got money back from CUNY. But, I don’t have that money anymore). Either way, I’ll have to borrow money for the MS.</p>

<p>I am uncertain if I want to do a PhD. Probably not. Even if I were to go for a PhD, I would probably do it after paying off my debt.</p>

<p>So, I think I’ll be looking at very approximately 58k debt if I go to NYU (I included the fees, which totals around 3-4k). I think this is a reasonable amount in my situation.</p>

<p>How do you think the quality of the CS program differs at the two schools? I know it’s hard to give any kind of accurate answer, but I would like any opinion on this. Personally, I think the extra I pay for NYU is worth it.</p>