<p>Hello,
I'm torn between the two. From what I gathered, they both offer good computer science programs, though I seem to like Maryland's more for some reason. I'm out of state for both; Ohio state is about 8 hours away while Maryland is about 2 and a half, which I like. Ohio state would be significantly cheaper, which is a factor to consider, and I do like the area better than Maryland's. What do you guys think in terms of the computer science program and the overall schools in general?</p>
<p>If you like Maryland’s program more (and the rankings I have seen place Maryland above OSU), I would think that would be the number one consideration. Also, I don’t think you can overestimate the value of the proximity to home especially since you like that. You will be able to come home for long weekends. You won’t be able to do that at OSU.</p>
<p>I don’t know anything about Ohio and their computers program - which is what you are asking about - so I’ve only got a little to add. geo1113 says umd ranks better - though I would also look up the “rate my professor” sites and see what the current students say about their computer science profs, too. I talked to someone last month who graduated from UMD in comp sci this past year - he said the comp science profs he had were great at computer science - not so much at teaching. That might be the same for Ohio too. (maybe it goes with the subject area??) Hopefully - more people in the know will be able to give you additional insight into the computer science programs and the schools overall. I would think that both schools should be decent at computer science - a lot of computer science will depend on how much you do yourself in that field - I would think.</p>
<p>UMD is a lot smaller than Ohio isn’t it? Did you get into any of the special programs at either of the schools? (honors, scholars, living learning communities, etc.)? That might make a difference (for example - if you like the smaller university feel - a living learning community can make it so at either school… ) And if you aren’t looking to go to grad school - but want to work afterwards - consider the fact that you might end up finding work near your University - or through people you have met at school - and they are most likely to be closer to your university - so think about where you would like to work afterwards (although I don’t know if that matters much in the computer science field, where you could probably work remotely pretty easily). </p>
<p>Significantly cheaper is nice!!! You also said you like Ohio’s area better than Maryland’s. But then you like the fact that UMD is closer to home and that you just like it better at MD for some reason - so - if you decide the academics are equal (not saying they are - I don’t know - just saying IF…) then which has more value to you - being close to home and liking the UMD computer science program more? OR having considerably less expenses and liking the Ohio area more? ALso - have you gotten your financial package yet from the schools? It might not be that big a difference in cost (or might be a bigger difference!)</p>