dav1d

CMU has an entire program dedicated to the specialty/similar areas, whereas UIUC has various faculty members across different labs dedicated to specialty. A second reason why CMU is still in the running is that if I enter the program I am making a commitment to a specialization (more or less), whereas in UIUC I would be able to play around in a few areas (which could be either positive or negative). Also, and perhaps it is just my perception, but I believe Carnegie Mellon is also a bit more prestigious. I am not sure whether this name recognition might be important in the future for PhD applications or for job placement. Regarding the funding at CMU, I wasn't able to obtain real concrete stats, but based on some correspondence with grad students, it would seem that once they receive funding it is full funding. I unfortunately haven't been able to get much more than that. I have heard first hand accounts of students going, receiving full funding at the end of their first semesters, and not paying a dime for tuition, but I am sure there are stories on the other side as well.

Hi there, I was wondering if anyone has any advice regarding my current situation for a MS in computer science, with a focus on AI/Natural Language Processing. My two admits are: 1. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign -- full funding (as an RA or TA) 2. Language Technology Institute at Carnegie Mellon -- no funding, but "some [24/26 say the stats] Masters students find partial or full support directly from research projects beginning in their first or second semester, either at LTI or in another academic department at CMU." Oh, and I will most likely apply for a PhD after completing the MS program. Thanks!