Purdue vs. UW Madison for Computer Science

Hey everyone, trying to choose between these two schools and can’t make up my mind. I think I’ve narrowed it down to these two schools, but am still slightly considering CU Boulder as well.

Money isn’t really a factor, they both would be semi-similar in cost.

I’ve visited Purdue twice, and thought it was “fine” both times. Haven’t been to Wisconsin.

Right now the two biggest factors are the location and curriculum. Madison is clearly the more exciting and lively place to be versus West Lafayette, but the curriculum at Purdue would (I think) provide a slightly easier time for me. Additionally, I would end up receiving a BA in Computer Science from Wisconsin, versus a BS from Purdue.

I guess specifically, I have the following questions:

  • How small/(bad?) is the social environment and city setting of West Lafayette?
  • Is there a major difference for employment in having a BA vs. a BS?
  • Coming from the southwest, I know that the winters are much more severe. How easy is it to adapt to the winter weather at either place? I know Purdue will have it slightly less cold.
  • Wisconsin is known as a party school - how large of a part do alcohol and football play in terms of the social culture on campus?

I hope I’ve provided enough information on what I’d like to do and what my concern are for both schools. I would really appreciate any insight into these schools or questions! Thanks

Hey… i am an international student currently going through the same situation for computer science major.Can you please share with me your decision and what factors you actually matter (assuming now that you are in one of the two universities).

The M/F ratio at Purdue is 57/43 , at Wisconsin 49/51.

No difference in CS between BA and BS

Weather is indistinguishable between Madison and W Lafayette. Madison campus is beautiful and located on a large lake, but that also means a colder and more humid lake breeze.

Madison is much larger, the capitol of Wisconsin, and has a lot more to do. In West Lafayette Purdue dominates the town.

Like any other college you attend, you can party if you want, or not. That is under your control. Wisconsin is definitely more social, perhaps because of the even gender ratio.