Money is a factor - I will be paying $5,000 more each year at OSU than at OU - but I am most worried about reputation and prospects after graduation. I was admitted to the college of engineering at both schools for computer science. I live in Columbus and hear a lot about the fantastic reputation of the computer science department at OSU, and how you are nearly guaranteed a job upon graduation. I have not heard anything really about OU’s computer science program. I can see myself at both places, and no matter what I will probably have to take out student loans, so I am having a hard time deciding…thanks for any advice 
First, remember this is an opinion and worth what you paid for it. I am an OU dad and have a lot of good things to say about OU, however, in this situation if you were my child I would be recommending OSU. I don’t really know much about either schools CS dept., however, as a rule OSU has strong programs in every dept. OU has programs I could heartily recommend, but, I have never heard anything special about their computer science program (I have not said its bad just that I haven’t heard). As for cost. Since you live in Columbus I think you are allowed to live at home (I know probably not the option your looking for). CS might also give you an opportunity for paid internships or co-ops to help defray some costs and CS graduates often have higher starting salaries than other degrees so taking on 20k in loans could be less onerous than with other degrees. Its a tough decision and I wish you luck.
I went on line and looked up the programs and saw a few interesting things. OSU has a number of paths for computer science. One is a BS in CS and Engineering. It looks as if you are not officially accepted into that school until you have successfully completed certain courses with a predetermined GPA. I didn’t see such a requirement at OU.
Hi,
I’m a current student in the Russ College of Engineering at OU in a different discipline but I will tell you my firsthand experience. I was in the same boat as you, deciding between doing an engineering program at OU and Ohio State. I was a phenomenal student in high school, but t I was only offered $2,000 per year at OSU and was offered close to full tuition at OU. I obviously picked OU. Please note that engineering wherever you go has a fantastic job placement rate, I think ours was 95% last year. I have had fantastic luck at job fairs talking to employers and multiple of my classmates have lined up co-ops or internships starting the summer after their sophomore year. Rankings are largely based on research opportunities, and because OU is not really a research university and has less rigorous admission requirements, we aren’t ranked as high as OSU. But we are still ABET accredited and take the same classes and have the same skill set upon graduation. I love our small class sizes. My engineering classes for my major have never been larger than 30-40 students compared to what I’ve heard at OSU that you’re freshman/sophomore (weed out) classes can have hundreds. My professors genuinely have a relationship with their students from their freshman year. I’ve also heard from my high school friends at OSU that they fail more people out of the program than we do because I think they only have so many slots, leaving students who ARE smart enough to get an engineering degree out of a program (I think mechanical engineering you need a 3.8 after your freshman year at OSU-which once you start an engineering program, you’ll realize how difficult that is). At OU, basically if you are doing well in your classes you will stay in your program and you will not have to compete for limited spots. I graduated high school from one of the best schools in my area with a 4.2, and still fight to keep my 3.3 in engineering. Please note that job placement is largely based on an individual’s actions more than where they go to school. Graduating from a “less competitive”, but still ABET-accredited institution with a beefed up due to extracurriculars will get you a job based on someone who went to a higher ranked school but did nothing but school. In my opinion, if you want to do research or eventually pursue a Ph. D, pick OSU, but if you just want your Bachelor’s and want to go into the work force, pick OU.
Sidenote: I hate the engineering webpage, but heres some links that may be of interest to you:
Average internship/co-op wages at OU: https://www.ohio.edu/engineering/academics/coops/statistics/wages.cfm
Job placement and enrollment data: https://www.ohio.edu/engineering/academics/coops/statistics/enrollment.cfm
OSU by far is better but both are 2 well know schools across the country but its like choose University of Pennsylvania vs Penn State both are well known but one is better than the other. With that being said I feel in my personal opinion that College is not all about school you should have some time for internships, clubs, sports, social life … etc… If you are a excellent student then OSU is a good choice but if you have around a 3.5 GPA or lower than I think you school consider OU.For grad school going to OSU will only look a little better rather than having a really good GPA at OU which would be more easily attainable. I am only saying this if you are planning to apply to a competitive grad school since that is what employers would care more about rather than where you did you under grad. If you are in love with OSU than go there but if you like OU better than go there. for one second dont think about the money and pretend they are the same and pick which one you would go too. Both have lots of parties and are big schools so stay safe and have a fun experience… - From UCONN…