UIUC vs UW Madison..please help!!

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign
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<p>I know this comparison has been posted many times before, but I would really appreciate any help possible!</p>

<p>I was accepted to both UIUC and UW. I will be transferring as a Junior from a small Liberal Arts college in the fall. Most of my credits transferred to both schools. I am a Political Science major. Madison is ranked 15th for Political Science and Illinois is ranked 21st. Do you think this difference is that big of a deal? Seeing as I am from Illinois, the in-state tuition is a big plus--I am transferring due to financial issues. At the same time, when I went to Madison it felt like a much more liberal, friendly, and vibrant community. I worry that UIUC is too conservative--also, I really don't like Greek life. So, I guess it comes down to cost vs. experience. Should I go to Illinois and not have to worry about paying off loans? On the other hand, should I go to Madison and maybe have a better experience, but have to deal with debt after I graduate?</p>

<p>What do you guys think?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

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<p>Rankings are relative, not absolute. The two programs are close enough together for the ranking difference to be negligible. I’m not aware of a conservative, or liberal tilt to the political science department at U of I, nor do I feel the campus is conservative in the least, while the surrounding area may evince a conservative tendency, the area grew up around the university and would dry up and blow away, if it weren’t for the big bad “guvment” presence in it’s midst providing the jobs, and small business customers those same conservatives need to prevent their dependence on Medicaid.</p>

<p>Gee, I hope that doesn’t sound overly partisan. Actually, no I don’t. The truth hurts.</p>

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<p>if the cost difference won’t break your back, it looks like you want to go to Madison. </p>

<p>Madison is an amazing place and campus, right at the door step of state capitol. </p>

<p>only you can justify the cost vs. experience. academically, they are both comparable.</p>

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<p>This isn’t Bob Jones or BYU. You’ll be fine.</p>

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<p>Snarky, aren’t you.</p>

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Haha. Logged backed in … Thought I forgotten my password let alone my username, but nope! I looked at my posting history and I felt that I needed to respond to this -

@ Balthezer:

I believe those that don’t like “guvment” are those who do not like “guvment” overreaching and abusing their power. In other words, conservatives don’t like big “guvment.” I’m not sure what experience you have with conservatives, or even if you understand what that certain political sect believes in, but your sneering speaks more about you than it does about those you hold contempt for.

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I agree with itsme123 about cost and academics. Something to think about is job placement. You might want to contact the schools and find out (if possible) what types of jobs and starting salaries graduates with a Poli Sci major get.

Or are you considering going on to graduate school. In that case I would consider saving money on the undergraduate degree. I would re-visit UIUC and try to ‘shadow’ a student for a day. This time I would visit UIUC with the mindset of ‘can I be happy and thrive in this environment’ instead of “which school is better”. I hope that makes sense.

I suggest this because I would be very hesitant to take on debt (at any time, but especially) when you are transferring due to financial issues.