U of Utah vs Northeastern for CS PhD

[duckshooter]

I got acceptances from both last week. 

I am leaning towards Utah for the large campus and scenic surroundings.  

Other than being able to live in Boston, are there good reasons to choose Northeastern?

[Shnoztastic]

I think you have to consider the programs and offer specifically... I'm not in CS so I can't speak to the programs. Have you visited? How have your interactions with POIs been? 

Boston is definitely more expensive than Salt Lake so funding is a consideration... Rather than just location, the program dynamics, research, and prestige are more important. You won't likely be there for the rest of your life so I'd choose the program that feels best.  

If all things come across as "even" or "equal" in the programs at Utah and Northeastern then I'd start considering which place I'd specifically rather live in.

Hope this helps!

[excelle08]

Vote for Northeastern, in terms of location

- Big city is more convenient for daily life. You don’t have to live in scenic spots to enjoy it as you can visit on vacation, while you are going to live and work in the place you choose for five years

- Boston is safer than Salt Lake

- NEU is famous for its good career service and Boston has lot more job opportunities. After all faculty positions are hard to get so you may also want to work in industry.

- Although it’s expensive to live in Boston, NEU provides relatively larger amount of stipend so it shouldn’t be too big a problem.