In state so cost is not an issue. What school is better for computer science? in terms of job outlook, salary, long-term goals etc? I know UNC is more liberal arts-focused while NCSU is more technical and engineering focused, but my D still cannot decide between the two, and I’m not sure what to tell her
I would have thought UNC Chapel Hill would be higher ranked in CS and overall
I have twins with very similar profiles and post-grad goals, one at UNC, the other at State. What we found:
State is more generous with AP credits where Gen Ed requirements are concerned. Both the boys went in with Spanish 3, the one at UNC will have to take one more Spanish course, the one at State, does not. The one at State doesn’t have to take an additional English course, the one at UNC, did. AP Macro was enough for my son at State to be done with Econ, my son at UNC, will have to take an Econ course for Gen Ed. (Both got 5s in their AP Finals)
If GPA matters, State has an A+, UNC does not. Assuming that they will not get A’s in every single course, every credit hour with ah A+ is an opportunity to make up for a lesser grade. When people say, “UNC is harder”, this is what they mean. My son at UNC got an A- (3.67)with a 93 in Physics 1, his friend at State, with the same 93, has an A (4.0). If the GPA is going to matter, be aware of how things are done, at both schools.
At #25 & 43 in CS, they’re both great schools, the opportunities are very similar. Not much to choose.
This not even a question for Computer Science majors. Yes, both schools offer competing degrees. However the outcomes are hugely different. All the top Tier 1 employers will recruit from NCSU, Tier 2 go to Chapel Hill. Apple, google, Microsoft, SAS, etc. I’m not saying the Carolina Computer Science degrees won’t get jobs but they will go to the Tier 2 employers. Don’t get wrapped up in the “got to go to Chapel Hill” movement. She will get better job prospects and better job offers $$$ with a NCSU Computer Science degree.
If you can get into the honors program at NCSU it is well worth it. My kid (not CS but COE) has gotten every section of every class wanted. Honors at UNC doesn’t allow priority registration like NCSU does. Also, I heard from juniors currently in CS at NCSU that there are recruiters in their buildings sitting at tables handing out flyers very commonly. (but keep the grades up since they have soft GPA cut offs according to them.) Also, if for whatever reason your kid decides interest in computer engineering or any other engineering major except BME, NCSU has those UNC does not. (DD was also accepted honors/excel at UNC but wanted more major options in COE at NCSU and basically would have had like 1 major of interest at UNC) . NCSU has great paid flexible Co-ops for COE (not as sure as CS though so look into it).