I am out of state for both schools and the price difference wouldn’t be a factor. I say GA Tech because I have what they call Conditional Admission, basically meaning it’s a lot easier for me to transfer there sophomore year than it otherwise would be. As of right now I am set on all my classes I’d need to take to transfer (although I’m still iffy on whether some of my ECE classes will transfer smoothly). Now it’s just up to me to decide whether it’s a good choice. I love UW Madison and it’s a great school but I don’t want to pass up GA Tech because 1) it’s a lot better for CompE and 2) the ROI for GA Tech is much higher. I don’t know if I should be focusing so much on salary so soon but I’ve done some research and going to GA Tech would probably make me more money in the long term. Problem is I don’t know how pertinent that info is. Could I get a job just as good coming out of UW Madison, a good school for CompE but not as good as #4 for EE at GA Tech and #6 for CompE? What are your opinions on what opportunities going to GA Tech would offer me that UW Madison can’t. Any and all tips and opinions will help. Thanks 
I think in a situation like this you have to take honest stock of what you want out of your college experience overall. It’s not like you’re comparing community college to Tech; Madison is a good school, too. If you love UW Madison, that might be reason enough to stay, especially if you feel like you’re getting a good education. College isn’t JUST about the job you get after.
So take a look at the various factors:
- College experience (see above). This is 4 years of your life, so it’s not inconsequential. Do you have friends, involvements, do you like the area? These things all matter.
- Cost. Out-of-state for both doesn’t necessarily mean equivalent cost. (I mean, it may be close, but it’s unlikely to be the same.) On the one hand, Atlanta is more expensive than Madison. On the other, I know Tech offers in-state tuition for all of their study abroad programs, so if that’s something that appeals to you, it’s a way to reduce costs (I have no idea if Madison offers something similar). Really break it down and see if it’s the same.
- While there’s a ton of recruiting at GA Tech, there’s also a ton of qualified candidates. It’s possible that you will stand out more at Madison than at Tech. (Again, I don’t know you, just speaking in generalities.)
- Do you plan to get an advanced degree? Sometimes it makes sense to attend a “lesser” institution undergrad, really make your mark so that you’re an attractive candidate for grad school, and then hit the “top” school for your Masters or PhD.
Bear in mind that there is no wrong choice here. There is only a “right for right now” choice. You will be fine at either school, and whatever you do, you’re going to get a good education. Good luck!
I don’t think you’ll see a tremendous disparity between the opportunities available at UW Madison and Georgia Tech. UW Madison reports that their 2015 EE graduates earned a median starting salary of $65,060 vs. $64,630 at Tech. 2015 Comp.E grads at UW-Madison earned a median salary of $67,500 (avg. $71,102) vs. $75,000 at Tech. This indicates that the jobs both sets of graduates accept are largely comparable, with the likely exception that Comp.E grads at Tech are somewhat more likely to land higher paying roles at top technology firms (Google, Microsoft, Amazon, etc…), which seems to be driving up the median earnings of Tech’s Comp.E graduates. However, both schools report a high end of Comp.E graduate pay in the low six figures, so I would guess that some UW Madison grads accept roles in top technology firms as well.
As you’ve noted, UW Madison is a strong school and, as long as you perform well, I can’t imagine you’ll have trouble landing a good job or getting into a top graduate school. I wouldn’t think that leaving the relationships and campus involvement you’ve established at Madison would be worth it just for some US News ranking that’s largely based on research and not teaching. However, there may be some good reasons for a transfer: 1) You want to pursue research and potentially a PhD and there’s a professor at Tech who offers an opportunity that isn’t available in Madison or 2) You want to end up in the Southeast after graduation.