Boston Unviersity vs Purdue University Computer Science

[khan8]

I have been admitted to BU and Purdue (Both PhD and area of interest is systems), fellowships are offered by both universities (BU stipend around 35k and Purdue around 27k). On most CS rankings purdue is higher, but i've heard that Indiana is not really a great place to live in (for atleast 5 years)...anyhow any suggestions on which one should i chose and why?

Edited March 7, 2018 by khan8

[Elephas]

I can't say anything in regards to why you should pick one over academically but based on research I've done about those cities I have a few cents.

• Cost of Living: Purdue > BU, you're more likely to be able to afford a 1 bedroom apartment in Indiana but will definitely need a roommate in Boston to live comfortably to any extent
• Social activities: BU > Purdue, there are a lot of universities near BU and you're near a major city as opposed to a college town so there is more opportunity to do different things
• Research: Something you'd have to rate
• Professor: Something you'd have to rate
• Opportunities: Something you'd have to look at based on school & professors you're interested in working with (see where past PhD students have gone)

I think it's up to you whether you want an environment where you'll really be able to study / less distraction like Purdue which is drivable distance to other metropolitan cities though it is several hours to them or a very busy city where you're likely to need to strictly budget but will have opportunities to do more things.