I have an undergraduate degree in Computer Science and have been working at a not so great software firm from past 2 years. I am not sure about what I want to achieve after finishing my Masters. On one hand I want to advance my career at a better pace. On the other hand there is an itch to join the academia, do research and enjoy a relaxed lifestyle.
I have been admitted into the following:
1. Master of Software Engineering program at CMU. Totally industry oriented course.
2. MS in Computer Science program at University of Minnesota Twin Cities.
I am still waiting for results from USC and UC Davis (both being MS in CS programs).
Total expenses at CMU would be 100k, whereas at UMN they would amount to 65-70k. There is also a possibility of an assistantship position at Minnesota after first or second semester. In both cases I would be going under debt, but the debt would be double in case of CMU.
Has anyone been in a similar situation who can give me a proper perspective?