<p>Hello, </p>
<p>I'm admitted to the MS program in CS of both of the universities. I still can't decide where to go...though I replied "Yes" to both of the schools... </p>
<ol>
<li>UCI's overall reputation as well as the CS program's are both better than NC State. 2. UCI is close to Silicon valley and NC State is in the proximity of RTP area... 3. It is way cheaper to attend NC State than UCI considering the tuition and living cost. 4. NC State's current MS students can switch to PhD track without applying as long as they can find a PhD advisor, while UCI requires a formal application. 5. NC State's specializations are also more attractive to me. </li>
</ol>
<p>I was more inclined to NC state . But NC State does not have a good overall reputation, it's actually a 3 or 4 tier university. Their CS program is also ranked lower (47th VS 28th), does 47 and 28 really make a big difference? Is it really worth to give up UCI and go to a state university?</p>