Purdue Lafayette or University of Southern California for computer engineering?

College Search & Selection
1

Hi! I am a junior in Indiana and Purdue is my realistic choice right now since the Computer Engineering program is excellent. However, I am applying through questbridge since a lot of people online recommended doing it and USC is a questbridge partner. I will be eligible for in state tuition and hopefully some good scholarships at Purdue but since I am in the low income zone, private colleges are also safe because of their big financial aid packages. In terms of jobs and post graduation education, which college is better? (PS-I’m tired of Indiana’s weather and would love to move to California)

2

Which ever is cheaper for you. Both schools will get you to your goal. Being in the Midwest, I hear ya… But you can always do internships and move later on. No to little debt trumps the sun for now… Lol :sunny:?.

3

I would reframe the question as “would I be making a big mistake if I went to USC If I got in via QB?”. The answer to that is no. I am not sure if it is yes for any QB schools.

4

IMHO, the answer to “would I be making a big mistake going to Purdue if I was accepted to both” is also no.

Both are very good engineering programs. Purdue is #9, USC is #29 at USNews, for whatever value you ascribe to their rankings. For Computer Engineering specifically, Purdue is #10 and USC isn’t ranked.

Be sure to do your research. While California has a certain reputation for fun and sun, it also had the second highest net exit migration from US states in the most recent data (10th on a percentage basis). It’s not all fun and sun these days. (Well, OK, the sun part is true). Indiana had a net inflow.

5

Either is fine. And as for rankings, they’re all over the place. ARWU, which is more about global programs than US-only, has USC CS and Engineering at #15, and Purdue lumped into the 51-75 grouping.

6

Assuming this ends up becoming your choice I think it will be a great one to have. Purdue as an instate University is an excellent value. Once you actually have the acceptances ask again. You should have more information and folks here at CC could help more.