<p>Computer Engineering aspirant.
Definitely going to go to grad school.</p>
<p>Suppose I get a full ride(or aid after which I have to pay ~$10k p.a.) at a school like Virginia Tech/U Washington/Rochester Instt Tech(just examples, don't even know if these schools offer aid) and I also get into Carnegie Melon/Northwestern/Columbia:Fu Foundation or say, Rice, does it make sense to pay the extra 200k for the big name schools ? My family CAN pay, but obviously won't mind saving $200k ...</p>
<p>I hope I've made myself clear enough ... Apologies if I haven't ..</p>
<p>If you are going to grad school, the grad school you go to is the one that matters, not the undergrad. However, with grad school admissions in mind you want to put yourself in the position to be accepted to a top grad school. Which means finding a good balance of school quality and cost, and then using the money you saved to pay for grad school.</p>
<p>Personally, I would go to the school that gives you a great scholarship and bank the 200K. I don’t think that attending a top school is worth 200K more than going to a “lessor” school as long as the lessor school is still quite good. Just get a good GPA, and you will be set for grad school.</p>
<p>Also, don’t forget that it may be more than 200K due to cost of living increases each year.</p>
<p>Definitely not. The aid schools you listed are very good schools. I would choose that path if I were you. You will feel less stressed out during your college years if you don’t have to work while studying. Remember that you need to get the grades, recs, and test scores that will get you into a good grad school. The college can help to an extent, but you still have to be able to put in the effort.</p>
<p>Do the “lesser” undergrad schools have fewer (and lower paying) job opportunities upon graduation; and internship opportunities for the final 3 years? And do liberal arts schools have on campus recruitment for majors like Computer Science ?</p>
<p>I believe that the opportunities at CMU are worth the extra money if computer science is where your passion lies. The types of projects going on at that school will give you a better idea of where you want to focus your attention in grad school. If I wanted to go to grad school in computer science and had the money (and I have an MSCS, worked in the field, and know tons of successful CS entrepreneurs), I would choose MIT if I could get in, and CMU second. But, these two schools are intense and not for everybody. You have to have a passion for computer science because that is what you will spend most of your waking hours doing at those two schools in that major. You can get a good computer science education at any of the schools you mentioned and numerous others and not everyone wants to live and breathe computer science. My own son likes it, but not to that degree (at least not yet). He will likely go somewhere else because he wants to have a more balanced college life. BTW, Rice is about $10K less per year than CMU so it can be cheaper even without any merit aid.</p>
<p>@ricegal : Is it possible to do Computer Science at undergrad level and Computer Engg. at grad school ?</p>
<p>@hawkphoenix: I won’t have to work if I go to one of the “better” schools… so that’s out of the equation …</p>
<p>@taxguy: Do the “lesser” undergrad schools have fewer (and lower paying) job opportunities upon graduation; and internship opportunities for the final 3 years? And do liberal arts schools have on campus recruitment for majors like Computer Science ?</p>
<p>I didn’t fully read it before I posted…sorry. I read an article that Chief Information Officers (CIOs) are in huge demand. America needs computer engineering talent.</p>
<p>I don’t know about a BA in computer science…I’d recommend the B.S. if possible, since it is a technical/science degree.</p>
<p>You can go to grad school right after. Especially in science and engineering. If you were to pursue an MBA, then work for a couple years…business colleges prefer students with work experience.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>All the computer jobs will move off-shore and you will have no opportunities. Not likely, IMO.</p></li>
<li><p>There is currently less competition for these jobs since there are fewer graduates. Therefore, you will get the pick of the jobs when graduated.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>America and the world always will have a demand for skilled technical workers. </p>
<p>You can never predict what the job market will be like when you graduate. </p>
<p>My advice is to pick an engineering discipline that interests you. We’re always happier and more successful when we do what we enjoy.</p>
<p>Best of luck to you.</p>
<p>Why the definite possibility of grad school? For technical fields, sometimes the boost in salary does not warrant the cost of an advanced degree.</p>
<p>$100k in additional annual salary? Or 100k total for grad school?</p>
<p>I would recommend finishing a bachelor’s degree, then consider the job market for your skills at that time. </p>
<p>If the job market is poor, then pursue the advanced degree. BTW, in engineering, you really only need a bachelors or masters degree, unless you want to become a professor, in which case you’ll need the PHD.</p>
<p>I mean, suppose I had to pay $100k at one of the “lesser” schools. Then would id still be worth choosing on of them over the biggies?($100k difference between the two).</p>
<p>That’s just what I was thinking of doing. Thanks :).</p>
<p>I would apply to the schools that interest you. Then, see where you get accepted. Visit the campuses you got accepted into and weigh their financial aid awards. </p>
<p>Once you complete the steps above, I’m sure you’ll discover the right choice.</p>
<p>If not, then post back here for advice… :-)</p>