Hi,
So, I’m currently deciding between UIUC computer science+philosophy and University of Michigan computer science in LSA. Although cost is not a huge issue, perhaps the in-state tuition for UIUC outweighs the fact that I am in love with Michigan. UIUC would be around $30,000 and UMich would be around $64,000 (considering I get no aid).
I know UIUC seems like the much more sane option when considering cost, but I really can’t see myself there. On the other hand, I absolutely adore everything about Michigan. I also know that I need to be surrounded by people that will challenge me, and I feel that being at an overall more academically inclined/generally smarter student body (UMich) will ultimately motivate me more.
So, pros/cons it is:
UIUC pros
higher ranked CS (USNWR #5 for grad)
in-state tuition
UIUC cons
relatively new cs+philosophy major (don’t know yet how employers would react to a non CS-eng major)
middle of nowhere
surrounded by the same type of people from Illinois I went to high school with (especially outside of engineering school)
lower overall ranking/prestige
UMich pros
absolutely love the campus, student body energy, sports, work hard/play hard environment
relatively highly ranked CS program (#11 on the same list as UIUC #5 ranking)
higher overall ranking
more well-known overall
Ann Arbor <3
UMich cons
cost
Basically, my question is whether the double cost of UMich is worth it, or will I get an equally respected and effective education at both institutions. Am I in some sort of honeymoon phase with UMich right now, or, is the hype and seemingly enormous adoration for UMich worth the extra cost on my future self and my parents?
Again, I really, really, love UMich. I just feel like I need more opinions. Help!
Um, dude, the CS students at UIUC will be plenty smart and your education will be equally good.
For software/programming/tech jobs, going to UMich will give you zero advantage over UIUC CS.
What’s the extra cost to your future self?
Frankly, I don’t see how it is worth it if it means a lot more loans in the future. You may enjoy your 4 years at UMich more, but if it means substantially more loans, future you will regret it more.
PS UMich will have plenty of the same type of people you went to HS with as well, except they would be from MI instead of IL. UMich admit rate for MI residents is substantially higher than for OOS.
As @PurpleTitan response was very helpful, I forgot to add another pro for UMich: since I’m not 100% set on majoring in CS, if I want to switch majors, the non-engineering/cs majors at UMich are better than at UIUC (I’m assuming, just considering overall ranking I guess)
So we are from Illinois and my sons at Michigan for basically the same reasons you stated. But we can afford to send him there and he’s just taking out basic loans like $5,000/year and working a bit. You can only take out like $27,500 /4 years. Your parents would have to cosign or pay for the rest.
If you can’t cleanly pay for college out of current income without mortgaging the house, going into retirement funds etc then the answer is no. In CS, you might make enough to pay it back. In something that doesn’t pay that well initially how are you going to manage an extra over $1,000/month x10+years? Doesn’t sound like much now but with rent, car payment, food, entertainment, etc etc it’s an unneeded burden.
Michigan rarely gives merit money for out of state but does a good job of financial grants called Michigan grants. That might help you in closing that gap. Depending on your situation financially many get like $24,000. If that’s the case and your family can afford it then I might go to Michigan. UIUC is world class in CS so keep that in mind though.