IU Computer Science Major? Please Help!

<p>I know that IU isn't exactly known to be a technology type college, but I was wondering if majoring in CS would still be worth it? Will it hinder how much money I would make as opposed to going to a different college? Will it be harder to get a job? I'm very interested in this major and feel this is what I want to do with my life any help at all would be very much appreciated. </p>

<p>I've also been accepted into Purdue, would that be all around the best choice? Or will it make no real big difference?</p>

<p>It depends what you want to do with your computer science major to some extent. IU obviously does not offer engineering, but it does well. The School of Informatics and Computer Science has a very good placement rates. See this:</p>

<p>[Hiring</a> Statistics: Trends: Explore: Career Services: School of Informatics and Computing: Indiana University Bloomington](<a href=“Careers: Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering: Indiana University Bloomington”>Careers: Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering: Indiana University Bloomington) </p>

<p>That’s very close to the rates of the Kelley School of Business. </p>

<p>You’ll have to find the career stats on Purdue to really compare. </p>

<p>Long-term, it will not matter. Ten years after graduation few people will care where you attended school.</p>

<p>My son has a similar decision. The programs are very different if you really look at the requirements. Purdue by virtue of its grad school has a high ranking for CS–18th to 20 compared to IU in the 53 range. IU is strong in the Informatics area–where it blends technology with other disciplines. You can get a CS degree at IU as well. More math requirements at Purdue–like 7 classes compared to 5 at IU. Purdue has a stong reputation for CS jobs across the country–particularly in the West coast. Microsoft has its own “day” on campus for recruiting. Yet, IU does has some fine stats for post graduation as well–the other poster put up the stats based on 2010 results. My son received essentially free tuition from both schools so that is on par–but he simply liked the campus layout and feel of the facilities for CS at Purdue better–so he would lean that direction. I think there may be a few more opportunities for grads at Purdue–but IU will have many as well. Purdue is really the stronger program, however, with a degree in CS from either school will be a good thing. IU has a little more flexibility in pursuing double majors–if that is important to you. I think you should try and get a feel for which school seems to fit all of your interests. If it was purely based on the stronger, and pure CS program, then it really is Purdue. Otherwise, you have a good choice. FWIW–my son is actually considering U of Michigan, U of Wisconsin–because both programs are even a step better than Purdue–and it is out of state–and he has an opportunity at another school which is not in the Big Ten to play football–but a highly rated school. So, like I said, some decisions are based on more than just the best program. Money can certainly be an issue. Also, as one poster responded–if you plan on grad school at this early stage–then only the grad school destination will matter–as long as you get in. Dig into the curriculum of the programs and try and get a handle on what you might like–and also consider where you might want to work if you don’t go to grad school. That also can be a factor.</p>