(asking this for a friend)
So my friend got accepted to these universities and plans to major in computer science in the engineering college. So as an international applicant the factors he is considering are
-quality of engineering schools with funding probably for some research opportunities at the undergraduate level
better job opportunities available for internships
-alumni network
-cost of attendace ( not a big concern but as BU is like much more expensive , will it be worth it?)
-which would well basically provide a better college experience
Help on this would be greatly appreciated.
UW-Madison, the two UC schools, and Rutgers have some basics in common with each other: all are fairly large state schools with fairly traditional campuses. (though different settings, obviously)
Boston U is the outlier: it lacks the traditional campus feel and it is private.
Consider the weather and settings of each:
UW-Madison: Four seasons: Cold winters, warm summers, really nice spring and fall. Much of the campus is located on an isthmus, between two lakes. State Street, state capital. Madison is an awesome city. Big-time sports.
Rutgers: Four seasons. Located obviously in New Jersey. You got the Jersey shore, NYC and Philly nearby. Big-time sports.
Boston U: Four seasons. In Boston (duh), which is an awesome city. Big-time hockey. Most of the “campus” is on one street.
UC-I: California climate – lots of sun, little rain, little temp fluctuation. Irvine is a decent city.
UC-D: Kind of a more rural setting. California climate.
All are good/decent schools with plenty of good programs and things to do – probably more things to do at Rutgers, UW, BU and UC-I than at UC-D though.
I think your friend should decide based on vibe/weather/setting/academics and if there is a large discrepancy in the cost, the cheapest school(s) obviously are at an advantage. That’s how he should decide.