So I am so fortunate to have been accepted into the University of Michigan’s College of Engineering and the University of Illinois for Computer Science in the College of Engineering. I am in-state for Illinois, so I really love how Illinois is 25k cheaper than Michigan (and on top of that there is tuition freeze). However, Michigan has been my dream school for a while now. Acedemically speaking, both schools are essentially equal for my major. However, in terms of the social atmosphere I feel like Michigan is where I belong. I visited both this summer and Michigan felt like home. Now, I’ve been struggling to justify the outrageous OOS tuition costs for a while now, so while Michigan is my dream school, I told my parents I would got to UIUC to save money. My parents know that Michigan is my dream school and they don’t want me to give that up so they have asked me to reconsider. They’ve saved up enough money for me to be able to attend Michigan for 4 years so for them money isn’t an issue, but it is for me. I just can’t get over the fact that Michigan is so much more expensive, so I was wondering if there was anyone out there that could give me their 2 cents of advice.
I’d also find it hard to justify going to UM for the price differential.
I have the exact same situation (minus the dream school aspect of U-M). I think you should visit both schools in the spring and compare the two. Michigan does seem to have the great social scene and all-around experiences of a college life, but I think UIUC also offers its benefits (No 1 Party School 
)
If I were you, I’d pick UIUC, but I wouldn’t make a decision without one more visit to both.
A hundred thousand more simply for a nicer atmosphere?
If that’s just a drop in the bucket for your parents, then go for it; if not, perhaps that $100,000 could be put to better use?
Crazy to spend that much more for UMich. Think of the many other ways that $100k could be spent…a down payment on a house and a nice wedding.
With even a fraction of that extra $100K, you could do a lot to improve your quality of life at UIUC.
UIUC is quite highly rated for engineering and comp sci. the 25k/yr differential is therefore not coming at the cost of a lower grade education. go to uiuc and save the 100k (and thats 100k post tax savings - adjusted for taxes and interest on paying the 100k back this is like making 185-190k). this is a no brainer.
Go to UIUC, use some of the extra funds to rent a really nice place when you leave the dorms, and enjoy your college years. (I’m a UIUC grad, and I can enthusiastically recommend it.)
UIUC has the better program at a lower cost. This is a no-brainer.
Clearly UIUC - better CS program and lower cost. Siimilar size so truly the experiences will not be all that different. While you may have preferred UMich on a visit - it is hardly enough exposure to be certain it would be a far better fit. My S is in his freshman year - he and all of his friends are happy where they have landed - whether or not it was a ‘dream’ school from the outset.
If you have direct admission to the CS major at UIUC, it is rather hard to see how Michigan can be worth the extra $100,000.
(Students who want to major in CS but who do not have direct admission to the CS major at UIUC should know that it is very difficult to enter the CS major later: https://cs.illinois.edu/prospective-students/undergraduates/transfer-students/transferring-another-university-illinois-major )
Chiming in with another vote - Michigan is more prestigious and a great place to go to college, but it simply isn’t worth 100k more than UIUC.
UIUC is a good school at a good price and will serve you well.
As much as I dislike UIUC, if you have direct access to CS, go UIUC and save the money for a down payment on a condo in Chicago or a house in Silicon Valley.
Michigan and Illinois are sufficiently different that fit can play an important role in the decision. That being said, Illinois is excellent, particularly in CS, and unless if your parents have saved a lot of money over the years, I would agree with most on this thread and recommend you stay in-state. Basically, that $100k would have to represent only a small fraction of their savings for Michigan to be a viable option.
UIUC as good as UMich in CS and $100K not worth Mich. - save it for grad school or down payment on a house etc. Once you “embrace” your new school and start making friends there you won’t miss Michigan.
I’m with @Zinhead here. I dislike UIUC, and not only because I’m a UofM grad, and an IL resident. Remember, you’d be up on north campus most of the time at UofM, with all the geeks. UIUC campus does not compare to UofM main campus, but you won’t appreciate the campus during your college years, anyway. That’s just during the college search and alumni (sp) reunions.
Go to UIUC.