MS in CS -- UCLA vs Columbia?

[NVP12345]

I've just learned I'm admitted to both for MS in Computer Science, and these two are my only serious contenders at this point. A few things that are factors for me:

- I am already at Columbia (School of Continuing Education), and the 3 courses I am taking now will transfer in directly. So I would only have 7 courses to complete at Columbia (a single year, easy) while at UCLA I'd be starting from scratch, likely 1.5-2 years

- I am out of state for UCLA so cost is comparable to each other

- I've been in New York for almost 4 years and am getting a little sick of it

- I think I'd rather end up on the west coast after I graduate

- My number one concern is the quality of job I'll be able to find when I graduate

I am interested in Artificial Intelligence and Software/Networks engineering.

Any thoughts from those with some knowledge about this area would be helpful. Thanks!

Edited March 22, 2012 by NVP12345

[ghanada]

I'm not in the CS field, I am more in the biomedical engineering/neuroscience area, but I did my undergrad at UCLA and I am contemplating going to Columbia in the fall myself for a PhD so I have a decent idea of both schools. From a Cali perspective, I can definitely say that UCLA is very well respected for computer science/engineering. I know on the east coast UCLA doesn't always garner a lot of prestige like ivys do, but it is pretty much the opposite in cali. In the west, everyone is impressed by UCLA and the general public really only knows the names Harvard and MIT from the east. And most people would have a hard time being able to say where exactly Columbia is located (no joke!). So if staying on the west coast is important to you, I would be inclined to say that UCLA would be a smart move for you. Not only is UCLA very prestigious on the west coast, but I bet your adviser and other networks would have more contacts and influence on the west coast.

Are you sure cost is the same for UCLA and Columbia??? I thought out-of-state tuition at UCLA was more like $15-20k/yr and that Columbia is $40k+? Keep in mind that the cost of living around UCLA is relatively high, but NOT NEARLY as high as around Columbia. You can easily find 2 bedroom apts within a 10 min drive to UCLA for <$1500/month. There is no way Columbia is anywhere near that. Even if you had to do 2 years at UCLA vs 1 year at Columbia, it would still seem cheaper overall at UCLA.

Finally, your job concern is valid and California sucks right now for jobs. Budgets are really low and even public schools like UCLA are making huge cuts and losing lots of funding. However, I would still imagine computer science/software engineering jobs would still be in decent demand and I would think that you shouldn't have too hard of a time finding a job after school. Granted, you might have to be open to living in either norcal or socal, but there should be some good jobs out there if you look hard enough.

[NVP12345]

Thanks so much for the great insight. I am surprised that people haven't heard of Columbia out west, at least to the extent that I thought. And I know you're right that the opposite is true here on the east coast -- UCLA is respected as one of the best state schools, but on the east coast people do put a lot more stock in the Ivy league. I've had a lot of pressure from family in CT to go to Columbia just based on that.

As for the cost, you're right Columbia on the average is higher, but remember what I said about my credits being transferrable as I'm already studying there. Columbia charges on a per-point basis, and since I only have 21 left to complete after this semester the cost would be roughly 28,000 + health and fees. Compare that to UCLA, where a year runs an out-of-state student over $29,000 all-inclusive (http://www.registrar.ucla.edu/fees/gradfee.htm). Also, I live with my girlfriend (and leaving her is a whole other issue, but one I'm trying to leave out of my decision process), so I have a very good deal where I pay about $800 only about 10 blocks from campus at Columbia. So you can see, the difference in cost is pretty negligible for me.

Does CA really suck that bad for jobs? I'm guessing the competition is a little stiffer as its such a haven for the tech industry. I know NYC startups are taking off in the last few years, and there are only a handful of top tier schools nearby.

[ghanada]

hmm ok since finances really are pretty even, that is definitely a tough call. I still think UCLA's name is super strong on the west though. When I was on the west coast, whenever I mentioned I went to UCLA everyone was impressed and would give me praise. Whenever I tell someone I went to UCLA on the east coast, nobody cares at all. In fact, just recently I told my employer that I did my undergrad at UCLA and my Masters at Boston University, and she said nothing about UCLA but was like "WOW BU" hahahaha so strange to me. But yeah, if you really want to work on the west, you can't go wrong with UCLA. But at the same time, Columbia is still an ivy and will be well regarded. I just want to make sure you know that UCLA is regarded as highly on the west coast as Columbia is on the east.

Yeah, the job situation really does suck in CA. I have known a few engineer undergrads that really struggled to find jobs straight out of school. But like I said before, I think for your industry you will be fine. I don't think it will be EASY to find a job, but I don't think you will be homeless either.