USC vs. UC Davis for Computer Science

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hello all,</p>

<p>I'm a high school senior majoring in computer science who is very stuck between USC and UC Davis. It's down to these factors:</p>

<p>USC Pros:
-Better CS program (going off of rank)
-More emphasis on research for undergraduates (I do plan to do research)
-Alumni network/internships/all those career-related benefits USC is known for
Cons:
-No scholarship or aid given, so $62,000 a year (which we are able to do but we aren't rich)
-I never wanted to go to school in a crowded city
-bad neighborhood
-I'm not into sports and don't plan on ever drinking (bad genes), so I have doubts about the social atmosphere</p>

<p>Davis Pros:
-Much easier to visit home (I'm from Palo alto) but not close enough to lost independence
-On the way to Tahoe (I ski a lot with family and friends)
-college town atmosphere (which is what I always wanted) and fewer spoiled people
-half the price of USC
Cons:
-From what little I can find online, the CS program is worse than those of most other UC's and the price difference isn't enough to make Davis preferable.</p>

<p>My gut feeling tells me to go to Davis, and I know I would be more happy there in a social/overall life sense. I also do not want to be separated by over 8 hours from my family while they pay over $240,000 for me to get a still-less-than-elite CS education. My fear, though, is that by going to Davis I would be giving up more in terms of education quality than any benefits could outweigh, and will end up regretting giving up USC. Anyone who could speak on behalf of either school's CS department would be massively appreciated--thanks.</p>

2

<p>I went to USC, but there’s nothing wrong with UC Davis’ CS program. I work with lots of Davis CS alumni.</p>

<p>For an undergrad CS degree, it doesn’t really matter where you go.</p>

<p>Either school is fine. If you prefer Davis, go there.</p>

3

<p>If you’re majoring in CS or engineering, both Davis and USC would provide a fine background and degree. Go, be happy and get your degree. If you want to get a master’s degree, you can then be concerned about which U might be better for your research or resume. I went to law school at Davis–it’s a lovely place (tho it has gotten MUCH larger in the decades since I attended). My kids went to USC. Neither of them drink, party, or are much into football, but both had a great time there. Really don’t see any great need to pay the extra $$$ to go to USC over UC Davis for an undergrad CS or engineering degree–save it for other needs (like your parents’ retirement or sibs educations).</p>