IU Kelley vs Purdue CS vs UIUC CoB?

College Search & Selection
1

Trying to decide between these three. In-state for UIUC. $28K for four years from IU and not heard back from Purdue concerning $ yet. Kelley is very well known for business, but I’m not 100% sure about business. I might want to do CS or Engineering and in that case, I will have to transfer schools and that will be a big hassle. If I were 100% sure about business, I would for sure go there.

Purdue is ranked 20 in the nation for CS and I like the more laidback nature of the campus. There isn’t much partying or drinking from what I’ve heard, so that would suit my personality type more. Also, if I did want to switch to engineering it would be a good choice, but for business, it isn’t the best.

UIUC is the last option, and it’s great for CS, Eng, and business. The problem is that CS and Eng are really competitive and difficult there, and if I go there, I’ll be in the bottom 50% most probably. For business, it might be an OK choice, but their business school is not as good as IU. It’s in-state.

I live in Western IL, so Purdue and UIUC are about 2.5 hours away one way. IU is 4 hours away one way. That might be a little much, but it isn’t a huge problem.

2

I understand your dilemma. While it may seem like a no-brainer for those not familiar with UIUC’s engineering school, it is, as you noted, very competitive to gain entrance and then also competitive within the school. If CS is the only engineering you are interested in, then IU will still fit the bill (not as high-ranked but still a solid CS department) At Purdue, you still have the Krannert School of Management if you want to lean towards business and a very good CS program. It is getting tougher to get scholarships from Purdue, however, so unless you stats are fairly high, I wouldn’t count on it (with 28K from IU it doesn’t look like you qualified for the full Dean’s scholarship so money from Purdue seems unlikely). If you can afford Purdue at full cost that may be your best option. If you are not admitted directly into CS at UIUC then you will have a very difficult time obtaining your classes.

3

Sounds like Purdue checks all your boxes; and will be much less competitive, while still being a great school.

Make sure you can afford the OOS tuition without going into lots of debt.