UMD vs VT vs UWASH

I was accepted into UMD as a Computer Science major, however, I was also accepted into VT for CS as well as their honors college. I was also accepted into University of Washington, but for Pre-sciences. UWASH said it would be highly unlikely to be admitted into CS later on, but they give me $7000 in scholarships, compared to VT and UMD, which both give me $5000 per year. I am considered out of state for all three, but all three of them place a financial burden on my family. What should I do?

Could you attend community college for a year or two, then transfer? Does your own state have terrible CS programs? I’m sorry that you’re in this predicament.

I also have NMSU that I could go to, however, their computer science program is not the best, and I am also unsure if I would be accepted as a transfer student to any of these colleges later on. Would it be worth it? Even if I do not necessarily want to go to my state school?

UMD

@abrilarias Compare the outcomes at your school to the schools you got into for CS. Are graduates getting the same types of jobs at the same companies and with similar starting salaries? Is the number of students who have employment after graduating very different? It is helpful to balance if it is worth going into debt for the outcome you want, which I am guessing you most likely could get from your home state school.

If I were in your position, especially with the whole Covid thing going on, I would seriously consider my state school or even community college. Chances are, you may be taking classes online in the fall anyway. Would you rather pay out of state tuition for online classes than in state? These are things to consider.

Then don’t go to any of them. CS is a ridiculously employable degree, and prestige means precisely…nothing. This means you’re gaining nothing by paying triple the tuition for these other schools. You’re FAR better going to NMSU. As a programmer myself I PROMISE you’ll be fine.

Thank you, that really helps! @coolguy40

You’re right @Whatrocks , I’ll definitely look into the outcomes! Thank you so much!