<p>Hi all,</p>
<p>I've just got an opportunity to pursue my MS in Electrical Engg. at University of Wisconsin- Madison starting Spring 2010. I've apped for fin aid too but the decisions will be made in December. I have a master's in Physics (electronics specialization) from SSSU. Post M.Sc. I did a certification program in VLSI Design Engg. from UC Santa Cruz Extension at TIIT Hyderabad. </p>
<p>I have a few queries and I invite those with first hand knowledge of UW Madison (specially the alumni) to address my queries:</p>
<ol>
<li>The rankings apart, how renowned/respected is UW Madison in the field of Electrical Engineering. How soon after completing my MS can I secure an employment with a decent pay package? Will the brand name of UW Madison add greater value to my degree (I am looking to go into CAD tools for VLSI Design and I invite those with knowledge in this area to elucidate)?</li>
<li>If not successful in availing finaid, would it be worth spending over $40,000 per year to pursue the MS?</li>
</ol>
<p>The other schools I've applied to are:
Michigan State University- decision pending
Michigan Technological University- successful
Boston University- decision pending
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology- decision pending
Iowa State University- decision pending</p>
<p>Cheers,
Varun</p>