PhD CS: UCSC or Northwestern University?

[alfredd]

I have been accepted into PhD programs at UCSC and Northwestern. 

Everything else remaining equal: should being closer to Silicon Valley (to the tech industry and research labs there) be a factor in my decision? 

 

[Elephas]

I would say it depends on what your research interests are. At either institution you can do great research and then have an internship in silicon valley over a summer. I'd reach out to students and faculty at both institutions and ask about track records for where students go post graduation. I can't say whether or not that should help shape your decision in a positive or negative way as that proximity will likely raise the cost of living there but you will have an opportunity to attend silicon valley networking events. 

I am biased though you should come to NW :).