<p>I'm a mathematics student who's planning on studying abroad next fall. Basically, I'm having some trouble in choosing between the University of Washington and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.</p>
<p>The thing about Washington is that it's next to a major city, being Seattle. However, Illinois has a slightly better reputation for mathematics, but Urbana-Champaign can hardly be compared with Seattle.</p>
<p>I value aesthetics quite highly as well, and Washington has a beautiful campus and library. But the building the mathematics department is in, doesn't follow suite. Illinois also has a fairly nice campus, though nothing special, but not as nice as Washington's. But the mathematics department is based in their prettiest building.</p>
<p>I'm also unsure as to which one would provide me with the best 'American college' experience, and how close Washington's mathematics department is to Illinois'. Is the gulf in class minute enough to not make a difference?</p>
<p>I agree on Seattle vs Champaign–not close. Also while both are state U’s with current financial issues I think UW has a better future over the next 10 years. UW also has more freedom to adjust finances and raise money. They are close enough right now that the other factors win out.</p>
<p>Large universities are not brought down that easily or else the UCs would be toast by now. State financial troubles are something that may bother us and sit in the back of our minds but I don’t think it affects undergraduate experience much in practice.</p>
<p>Anyway, I would go with UW if you’re not in-state for either. The difference is ~20 vs ~27 and it sounds like you really want to go there.</p>
<p>Your quote: The thing about Washington is that it’s next to a major city, being Seattle. However, Illinois has a slightly better reputation for mathematics, but Urbana-Champaign can hardly be compared with Seattle.</p>
<p>Your quote: I value aesthetics quite highly as well, and Washington has a beautiful campus and library.</p>
<p>My quote: You answered your own question… And, I concur (with you and the other posters)!</p>
<p>While the UC’s raised lots of hysterical protests, the actual CUTS as in less money than the prior year were not much at all. Several other schools had much deeper cuts.</p>
<p>I forgot to add that I’m planning on coming back to the USA for my postgraduate education. So going to a department strong in math is quite important for me.</p>
<p>Definitely Washington. You seem to see more advantages to it, and Illinois is going through some budget cuts and is likely to raise tuition in the future.</p>