my son was admitted into both San Diego and Chico State and is trying to decide where to go in the Fall for computer science. We visited both schools and prefer Chico’s campus and hosing, people were nice, and it would save money and time in terms of travel for us since we live in the Bay Area. San Diego however is ranked higher overall. Looking for recommendations and opinions on these two schools and programs. Both computer programs seem good - both are ABET accredited.
My $.02: given your facts, the only reason to choose SDSU would be if his goal was to land a job in San Diego upon graduation. Other than that, sounds like Chico is the better call for him.
I agree - getting a job in San Diego will be easier for and SDSU student but, no 18 year old really knows where they want to live and work post college. The rankings aren’t so disparate that he’d get no credibility from one but loads from the other. They are both very good and are both recruited by top silicon valley firms. I’d follow your son’s lead and head to Chico.
Go Wildcats!
My younger son is a CS major at SDSU- Junior. He really likes the school and program but I agree with all the other posters in that if Chico is his choice then he should definitely attend there. A happy student is a successful student.
the concern is also Chico’s “party” reputation and the initial reaction many people get when you bring up Chico. Since SD is higher ranked he’s concerned with the perception of Chico.
Ehh, SDSU & UCSB are a “party schools” as well.
A hardworking student can have a great outcome at a "party school!’
An employer’s perception of Chico State is the only thing that will count in the end and it really does not matter where you go for Undergrad if you are able to take advantage for all the opportunities he is given. It is the job skill set you come out with that is far more important. “Perception” is in the eye of the beholder and most likely it is your son’s fellow classmates that consider Chico beneath him?
Like I stated before, he should go to the school that he really wants regardless of what other people think, since he is the one attending the school.
Having a son at SDSU (many of his classmates questioned his choice) the “party school” rep is truly overblown and I am sure that is also true for Chico.
My attitude as a parent is that any school can be a party school and there are many like minded students that are not into that scene. He will be able to find his tribe and get a good education in the process.
My son is a graduating Sr at Chico. I can tell you first hand, there are parties around campus but, the school does a pretty good job keeping the dorms dry and making sure the residents don’t come home too hammered. Every semester a few kids are kicked out of the dorms for pot or alcohol. Just a few weeks ago, they fired several RAs for turning a blind eye to alcohol violations. Of course, rules can be broken but, they do a better job than most residential CSUs. There are lots of non-party activities for those who don’t partake.- live music and other performances, movie nights, adventure outings, their gym is great, tons of trails at Bidwell Park for hiking and biking, IM sports, there is even a little airport about a mile from campus where you could learn to fly. The list goes on and on. In the area near the frats, there is a buzzing in the streets and crowds of college students out and about. Other areas are less busy.
There are people who have asked me - why I would send my kid there… but they have no idea what the school is all about. You have make the choice that’s right for you.
@gumbymom is right, the opinion of your potential employers is more important than your peers at this stage. Lots of big companies recruit on campus at Chico. something like 85 companies came to their most recent career fair. From the employers perspective, at the end of the day, you have to get your work done - a student who managed to graduate on time with a decent GPA and some relevant experience in an environment like that can probably handle most challenges an employer will throw at them. I have heard several managers I know in the life sciences business tell me they hate hiring UC grads because though they know how to study, they have no idea how to work…