South Carolina vs UNC Charlotte for computer science

so I am having trouble with this. these two schools are my safties. would probably pay the same for both schools. I want to major in CS, and according to niche.com, uncc is ranked around #150 whereas USC is around #200. I feel like UNCC will also have better job opportunities because it is in a big city as compared to Charlotte. However, I feel like UNCC is more of a commuter school, doesn’t have the sports and “fun” that USC has to offer. Any advice on the computer science program here and how it compares (internship opportunities, etc) would be great, thanks!

If they both cost the same, it can only mean that both schools are out of state. If that’s the case I would say neither one. Out of state tuition is triple the cost of in-state and the most you can take out in student loans for a 4 year degree is $27,000. The rest has to be paid by your parents or co-signed into private loans. If you have to co-sign loans to pay for tuition, you can’t afford the school.

If your parents have the funds to pay the tuition, then it really comes down to location. With computers, rankings mean nothing. UNCC is in a location where there are a lot of tech jobs. This means internship experience and accessible job opportunities. That’s going to be a big advantage, because it makes you easier for employers to hire. That doesn’t mean that employers won’t recruit from USC, it just means you have an advantage at UNCC.

I would have that “money” talk with your parents and make sure that you can afford to go out of state. In-state is usually the better choice.

Sorry, I am from NC. I have gone over this stuff with my parents. USC gives NC students in state tuition. I guess what I am thinking is - is it worth giving up the fun and more typical college experience to be close to internships and opportunities(UNCC).

USC does not give all NC students in state tuition. They give high achieving students in state tuition, based on merit. Just becasue you go to USC though does not mean that you can’t get internships in Charlotte. My daughter goes to USC but has interned for a large bank with a Charlotte location. They recruit from USC as well as from UNCC.

Why are you not thinking NC State or UNC if your instate. My son is a senior at UNC for CS with a minor in math. They have an excellent program.

As I stated in the second sentence, these schools are my safeties. I would love to get into unc but I don’t think my chances are the best. I made another post about that.

Thank you for the insight. I am quite confident I will be offered in state tuition. I have visited USC, and will be visiting UNCC next weekend, so I think it will come down to which one gives me the best “vibe” when I visit.