<p>It's time to make some hard decisions! My D is considering CS program at UIUC and Purdue. I know that CS @ UIUC is ranked 5 by US News and Purdue is 20. Purdue has offered her a scholarship of 10K whereas UIUC none (so far). We are looking at 47K vs. 30K college expenses. </p>
<p>I would love to hear some opinions and what others would in a such a situation. Is UIUC really worth the extra cost? Any current students at UIUC chime in with their thoughts?</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>That’s a hard question to answer. I believe it depends on a few factors
Do you have the $17 difference?
Contact the placement offices and ask them how many students get internships.</p>
<p>I have a (about age 50) buddy that graduated from MIT in Computer Science. He equates UIUCs CS dept. with MITs. FWIT.</p>
<p>The state of Illinois’ finances are a mess. The cost difference is likely to be $60k before D graduates. If successful, she’ll have a job that will result in paying the debt back. However, I would feel better if that kind of money were put towards a house.</p>
<p>Normally, I would just say it’s not worth it, but I believe UIUC is an elite program. On the bright side, this is a great problem to have. Good Luck</p>
<p>desilu - thanks for responding. Over four years, the difference between Purdue and UIUC might add up to more than 80K! That’s lot of dough. D is very keen on attending UIUC. Yeah, this is turning out to be a hard decision to make.</p>