Stanford vs. CMU MS Mechanical Engineering

[TheFreezing123]

So I have been fortunate enough to be admitted to both Stanford MS ME and Carnegie Mellon ME.
Neither has funding, but my family is supportive of me going to either place, while acknowledging that Bay Area might be significantly more expensive. I do want to continue on to become a PhD, but not 100% sure at this point.
Currently, my biggest interest is in autonomous vehicles, secondary interest is in robotics (especially medical robotics). When I applied to Stanford, I mentioned my passion for autonomous vehicles and my background in dynamics and controls. But after taking a robotics class last semester, I am not starting to get interested in robotics as well. I am not sure if vehicle dynamics and control is as "cutting-edge" of a field as the AI side of automated driving, or robotics. If I go to Stanford, I'll probably need to work on vehicle dynamics. But if I go to CMU, I might be able to choose to work on some robotics stuff while utilizing resources from RI. It's also much closer to my long-time girlfriend, who is in the Detroit area. But again, Stanford is Stanford. I think there are robotics resources as well if I try really hard. The reputation, location, and weather are great as well.

I need some help evaluating these two offers. Two main points of consideration for me: 1. Difficulty of qualifying exam? 2. If I do not go on to become a PhD, what is the job prospect? Is autonomous vehicle dynamics/path planning a lot worse than robotics in terms of job prospect? Other useful info regarding these two programs would also be much appreciated!

[Aradhana94]

Hello!

Though the obvious choice seems to be Stanford, let's analyse the two.

Important question: have you been admitted to the 2 year program or 1.5 year program at CMU? If the latter, I would recommend Stanford without a doubt. 

CMU for non-CS fields isn't as great, so I've heard from alumni. I do however know a guy who went there for mechanical, realized there isn't much scope, and took on robotics courses in the second semester, got a summer internship in Japan and did REALLY well. Since you are interested in robotics, it seems like a great option. As far as admissions go, it is definitely less competitive and prestigious than Stanford. Aforementioned guy didn't have a very impressive profile.

Stanford on the other hand definitely has a better reputation for non-CS fields and historically has had better employment of mechanical students. You'll also have access to a variety of AV and related startups in the bay area.

AI and/or robotics are important skills to master these days along with your core interest, and I'm sure either college will be great for that. If costs aren't much of an issue and you're more inclined towards research, Stanford should be the way to go.

Good luck!