<p>Based on these two universities I know that UIUC is way way better than UIC but am I making the wrong choice when I choose the latter instead of the former? I have been accepted into the Mech Egr program in both universities. I just think that UIC works out better financially and in terms of accessibility from my house, which is in the suburbs of Chicago. I want to go to UIUC and I want to move out from my rents house but Champaign is too much of a reach for me, not to mention the 18k loan per year I would need to get. Also for job opportunities, internships and co-ops there are more in Chicago are they not? Or if I go to Champaign will I be expected to do the move around for co-ops and such? Also I'm not the typical college student where all I think about is booze, girls, and parties so I could care less about the college exprience. I just want to graduate in two years and hopefully find a career which I enjoy getting up in the morning for.<br>
Like this summer I got offered a position as a civil egr intern eventhough my majors in mech will this help me later on because of the experience I will gain? I've read on other posts that besides where the degree was obtained employers look at expereince. But also since this is unrelated to my actual major dont know if it will help but the networking? Also I just think it will be a lot easier to obtain the higher gpa in Chicago as opposed to Champaign. I have no intentions on working for a top employer, or making a ton of money (this thought always changes in my head), nor am I absolutely certain that I will pursue a career in mechanical engineering I like to go with the flow of things, although I can picture myself in a managerial position at some firm or in industry later on because of all the leadership skills I've gained in work and in sports at the age of 20.<br>
To cut this short, which choice is better for someone in my situation UIC or UIUC keeping in mind my future plans. Just want some other people's opinions on this, thanks!</p>
<p>Considerations:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>UIUC's engineering program is nationally ranked high and has high national recognition among employers. Thus, UIUC would give you an edge in the employment market, particularly nationwide.</p></li>
<li><p>However, UIC is a very good college for engineering and, believe it or not, all those people usually get employed too. </p></li>
<li><p>As far as what you will actually learn, the programs are very similar. </p></li>
<li><p>If grad school is a consideration UIUC gives you an edge with higher ranked grad schools. However, many from UIC go to grad school too.</p></li>
<li><p>Your assumption that you will get better grades at UIC is not necessarily true. Both programs are difficult for grading and much involves the individual.</p></li>
<li><p>The assumption you will have the advantage for Chicago area jobs is also not really true. UIUC students also compete for those jobs and will have an edge for top employers in the area.</p></li>
<li><p>Though there are many willing to rack up huge debt for a more prestigious college, I am not one of those. Once out of college, there are advantages to having no or little debt including the ability to change jobs, e.g., move to some up and coming but risky employment that may pay off substantially in the future, without having to seriously consider staying where you are just because you have to have a sure income to pay off that debt. I consider this a major factor favoring UIC. (Example, I know a computer science grad whose first job was with IBM and, in the 90's, got a chance to move to some very risky start up company that no one had ever heard of. He made the move partly because he could take the chance because he had no debt. That risky start-up company was Google and he is now a wealthy man in his 30's.)</p></li>
<li><p>Having an engineering internship is a plus when later looking for a job even if it is not in your major.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>You could go either way but I would lean toward sticking with UIC.</p>
<p>The money saved at UIC compared to UIUC may be similar to the difference of salaries out of college, but most likely not. Going to UIC you'll have a lot more money saved instead of having to start earning money to pay off debts.</p>
<p>Question: How is the Bioengineering at UIC? Is it a good program? Is Chicago a good area for job opportunities in Bioengineering?</p>
<p>Why would going to UIUC require $18,000 per year in loans? The tuition difference is only $11,600 - $8,300 = $3,300 per year, and the cost of living is VERY cheap at UIUC. You can get apartments for about $300 to $400, and as low as $250 if you're willing to share a multi-bedroom apartment or house. Also, which suburb do you live in? It's not really all that pleasant to commute every single day to UIC, and you'd spend a lot on gas and other car-related costs (for example, a 25-mile commute would cost you about $150 per month just for gas), while there's not much need for a car at UIUC. I think the difference in expenses should be more like $10,000 a year, which I feel is justified for the difference in employment opportunities that UIUC would provide.</p>
<p>Also UIC is not in the nicest neighborhood. Safety should be a concern too.</p>
<p>UIUC's tuition and board rate is about 19,000. </p>
<p>UIC is about 4000-5000.</p>
<p>That would make a difference of about 14000-15000 a year. Over four years thats about $60,000. Commuting doesn't require paying for gas. You can take public transportation for much cheaper. Walking through the UIC campus is not risking your life. Unless safety is a $60,000 concern, then it should not be a factor.</p>
<p>The UIC link shows tuition and fees <em>per semester</em>, which comes out to $5,621 per semester = $11,242 per year, compared to UIUC's $11,170 tuition + $1,758 fees = $12,928 per year, a difference of just $1,686. Adding $7,716 for room and board, that comes out to a difference of $9,402 per year, but as I said above, you'll be spending at least a couple thousand a year on commuting expenses at UIC anyway, further reducing the difference. After the first year, you can move out of the dorms and not buy meal plans, which easily saves another couple thousand a year. I don't know which suburb the OP lives in, but commuting by public transportation is definitely not feasible if it takes 3 or 4 hours a day roundtrip by Pace and the El.</p>
<p>I think if you feel like UIC is good for you and the sole factor isn't the money than go. Remember, if you don't feel at home there and really want U of I, it will show. They have a decent program and you can always transfer. Btw, how are you planning on graduating in 2 years with engineering? Are you coming in with 80+ credit hours?</p>
<p>Any internship is great. Congrats. Even if it's not in your major.</p>
<p>The cost of commute to UIC is actually something that I have not considered uptill now although I'm sure that it will quickly add up. But yea I live in North Chicago which is roughly forty miles from downtown Chicago. Those of you familiar with this area probably know that north chicago is def not the best place to live(so safety is not a cause for concern well not so much anyways).
I will have 75 credits completed before I transfer just one class shy (Statics of Materials) for junior standing at UIUC. So it will probably take me more than 2 years to graduate considering I pass every class.<br>
The sole determinant IS the cost, with UIC I can work part time 12-18 hours a week but whos to say I won't find a job near UIUC. Also I do not know if I can take the 4 hour commutes each day and the part time work on the weekends. This decision thing is a *****. Its just a risk I guess I will have to take.<br>
And UIUC's tuition and board rate is 19,000 but there is also a surcharge of 3.5k if youre doing business, engineering, and some other majors.</p>
<p>One benefit of commuting on the el or whatever you choose to take is that you could get some studying done on the way to and from school.</p>
<p>I went to UIC and have a great job (just got into grad school at Northwestern starting this Fall). I was an economics major, not engineering, but I had no problem going to UIC. Where you go really doesn't matter, unless its Harvard, Yale, Princeston, etc...</p>
<p>My first job out of college, I actually was hired over 4 people (all of whom went to Big 10 Universities - 2 from UIUC). </p>
<p>And, YES.....I was accepted to both (like you), but chose UIC due to convenience. I didn't care to live in Champaign. But, it's more of the traditional "college experience" that many people look for. As for getting a job...you graduate with an ME degree...you'll get a good job. Doesn't matter where you go. If you're a book worm that can't apply what you learned...you'll need more than "Champaign-Urbana" on your diploma to succeed after graduation.</p>
<p>But UIUC does have a far better reputation according to US News and World Reports, so if you think you need that "reputation" on your resume...then I'd go there. If I had to say one's better than the other....I'd go UIUC, but UIC is not a bad Plan B.</p>
<p>Just go to UIUC. Don't be one of those people who buy the "University of Illinois at Chicago" car window decals, then cut off the "at Chicago". I remembered quite a few people doing that on campus when I went there.</p>
<p>Depending on where you live, you'll have to get a monthly Metra pass (cost me $100 a month, but depends on where you live - your zone). You get an I-pass to ride the buses and El for free (actually its including in your tuition fees). Its a good deal though. Its only a 15 minute walk from Union Station.</p>
<p>I don't know where you live, but if you don't have to take the Metra, its actually not that expensive to commute. Much cheaper than renting an apartment at UIUC and buying a car (if you don't have one).</p>