<p>I've been admitted to both USC (University of Southern California) and UIUC for Computer Science.
I've gotten a scholarship from USC which makes it equal in terms of fees with UIUC.</p>
<p>Which would be a better school academically as well as in terms of Future Job prospects ?</p>
<p>They both are excellent schools. UIUC is more reputable for CS, but I personally would go with USC. I think it’s CS program isn’t that far off, and I feel like USC is more of a complete package (especially if you want to do something business-related along with your CS degree).</p>
<p>USC! I’d rather be in L.A. than Urbana-Champaign…</p>
<p>Go with USC. Large alumni network, great school spirit and located in California.</p>
<p>Both schools have pretty good connections when it comes to job placement. Honestly in my opinion I would deffinatley pick USC but maybe that’s because I live in Illinois and it kinda sucks. Both are great schools but you deffinatley can’t beat Cali!</p>
<p>I’ll bump this for ya.</p>
<p>UIUC has a moderately stronger CS program compared to USC. I agree, SoCal is a prettier place than Champaign-Urbana. However, UIUC has the biggest Greek life of any University anywhere and the two weeks of rush each semester are incredible. Further, UIUC has the Siebel Computer Center, Research Park, the Beckman Institute, and the Supercomputer center (Blue Waters). Each of these represents an amazing opportunity for undergrads to get involved with the most cutting edge computer technology out there. Additionally, a sizable majority of USC undergrads are spoiled trust-fund babies who are often really annoying, and while you’ll find some of that at UIUC, on the whole people in C-U are much more sincere and friendly. Moreover, if you ever get sick of Champaign Urbana, as an engineer, UIUC will basically pay for you to go study abroad anywhere in the world for a semester or a year. I would go with UIUC.</p>
<p>Hey jrftkd,</p>
<p>Thanks for the reply :)</p>
<p>Could you please elaborate on the last part about studying abroad ?
How / Why would UIUC pay ? (Ofcourse THEY don’t pay, but is STUDY ABROAD THAT cheap ? )</p>
<p>Hey Gulli4,</p>
<pre><code> Check out the IPENG (International Programs in Engineering) office/website at Illinois. They will not only help you to fit a semester abroad into your schedule and help you to reduce your tuition significantly during that semester, but they walk you through applying to any of a multitude of scholarships that can make that semester cost-free. This is especially true if you are an out-of-state or international student, but is helpful for in-state students as well.
</code></pre>
<p>Also, engineering students can get a international minor in engineering for studying abroad just one semester which is nice.</p>
<p>UIUC CompSci is significantly stronger at least in reputation. The program is typically grouped in the top tier of computer science programs that employers target. For example I know Microsoft loves UIUC for some reason. If you want to go into a pure computer science or engineering field UIUC will be the stronger choice.</p>
<p>Prestigious former students of UIUC CS program include Larry Ellison (founder of Oracle and dripping with money) and Tom Seibel (founder of Seibel systems, later sold to Oracle). UIUC has been one of the leaders in supercomputing. and for you SciFi fans, the HAL 9000 was invented at the University of Illinois. </p>
<p>USC has many great things going for it, like a mascot (ours was banned you know). But, the campus is actually in a pretty tough part of LA. </p>
<p>I suggest you take CS at Illinois and Spring Break at the Venice Beach.</p>
<p>UIUC has one of the top CS programs in the nation, USC has a moderately good CS program but nothing compared to UIUC. The only reason I could fathom you would choose USC over UIUC is the weather. Let me tell you, I am originally from California but I went to UIUC for college. It gets cold but the campus is BEAUTIFUl, all old age brick and the people are phenomenal. So it really wasn’t hard to adapt. UIUC is like an Ivy League in the field of CS and engineering, it will look AMAZING on any job resume, and on top of all this it has a great social atmosphere. The only thing USC could top UIUC in is weather. So yeah, the best choice is most definitely UIUC.</p>
<p>Thanks all you guys!! :D</p>
<p>I’ve Chosen UIUC over USC B|</p>