I'm from the Everett, WA area and have been admitted into the Master's of Electrical Engineering at University of Texas Austin (Cockrell) and University of Washington. I'm still waiting for financial package from both, but assume that both will have a similar financial package. Here's pros/cons:
UTexas Pros:
* Higher ranked (BTW, does anyone know whether UTexas Austin - Cockrell has a good reputation in the electrical engineering arena?)
* Offered along with a PhD, which I assume will start after I complete my Master's
UTexas Cons:
* Far from home (Everett), don't know anyone there
UWashington Pros:
* A lot closer to home, rest of family is there
* Went there undergrad, so know some of the professors already (but not particularly close with most of them)
UWashington Cons:
* Lower ranked
* No PhD linked with Master's
Thoughts on the two schools in general or on this situation in particular?