UMass vs UIUC CS

College Search & Selection
1

Hi everyone,

I am choosing between Umass (CS) and UIUC for computer science + geographical information science. I am instate for Umass, but cost is not a factor.

I know that UIUC is much more prestigious for cs than UMass, but UMass is still pretty good too. However, I think that Illinois just has a much better name overall than Umass… the zoomass slamherst seems to still kick around. But, Umass is close to home and I’ve been there before. I was planning on visiting UIUC over april break, but with corona, that’s not going to happen. I’m nervous committing to a place I’ve never before. I’m looking for advice on the social scene, career opportunities (for UIUC, how much does the CS + X matter… does it look bad? Also, at do Umass CS alums have the opportunities from big companies that UIUC does?).

Here’s an about me:

I am really really low-key/chill and introverted, but do enjoy a good time here and there. I’m not looking to get wasted though every night of the week, or even every weekend, but I’m not going to be shoved away in my dorm room studying 24/7.
I am a huge sports fan and love the idea of going to a Big Ten school. I know that Illinois is no Michigan, Wisconsin, Penn State, but its definitely better than UMass.
I am not interested in doing greek life. I know this is huge at UIUC, but how much does this control the social scene?
After college, I would like to do intelligence. At UIUC, I’m hoping that the GIS will help me with that, and if go to Umass I will also study spanish and possibly Arabic.

2

I think you have your information wrong.

Massachusetts is one of the finest public cs programs in the country and highly respected in the CS space. In terms of AI, it’s top 5.

UIUC is no slouch either. Engineering it’s a world leader too.

My guess is you like many students discount the reputation of your instate flagship because of the numbers of classmates attending.

Cost aside I probably would choose Massachusetts for cs at this particular moment in time. The extra money is also very valuable and being closer to home with a bit of uncertainty in the air if a bonus.

Food is better too. Lol.

Uiuc has better sports outside of hockey. Amherst is a much more quintessential college town feel.