<p>… And even though UIUC is tops for engineering and CS, it’s not MIT/Cal Tech. That’s why it should be a no-brainer - OP will need to make the most of the opportunities at UAlabama, but CS/engineering are performance-based fields: if you perform, you’re good to go, regardless of where you come from. There may be some difference based on the university’s “brand name”, of course, but seizing opportunities and pushing yourself will be more important than brand in most cases. Attending UAlabama won’t prevent you from working at Google, for instance, if you have what they want and can prove it. A cost/ROI/Value analysis should suffice for the parents.</p>
<p>what state are you coming from. i would never even consider paying OOS tuition. </p>