USC vs. Duke

[scared]

I'm an international student from India and I've been offered admission to Duke and USC for an MS in BME. I've spoken to a lot of people from both colleges, and I seem to get the general idea that USC is a great place primarily because of its location in California where there are a lot of BT/Biomed companies. But I'm still pretty torn between them, since Duke has a great program and offers me the flexibility to really explore what I like. As somebody who wants to enter the industry, I'm not sure if I should pick the much lower ranked program/good location, or great program/okay location. Any sights?

Edited March 27, 2018 by scared

[Ragu]

Durham is a really pleasant place to live. Low cost of living for a college town. The food in Durham is phenomenal. Lots of cultural events like arts/theater/bars. Chapel Hill and Raleigh are also nearby with lots to offer. Cary, North Carolina (nearby) has a large Indian population if that is important to you. 

[scared]

Thanks for the information! I think you misunderstood 'location' though - I meant in terms of availability of jobs.

[BME grad]

Duke has a pretty big alumni network, so you could probably get great connections, but I think there are a lot less biotech jobs in that area. You'd probably be very employable wherever you choose...maybe ask yourself, would you be more proud to say you're a grad of Duke or USC?

[Ragu]

Research Triangle Park in Durham has a ton of BT/Biomed companies but I'm not as familiar with LA so you could be right that the area around USC has more

 

[mr_grad]

Duke.

[mr_grad]

(you might also want to think about where you'd like to land up, actually Raleigh NC is one of the best job markets right now. -> https://www.wsj.com/articles/where-the-jobs-are-11551441214?mod=article_inline, obviously California is the US' tech economic engine...)

also - maybe think about your political sensibilities. you may feel far more "at home" in one of these locations...

Great programs. Good luck!!!

[Amanda Gaikema]

I'd suggest Duke since it is a more prestigious program unless you have made your plans for your future goal in Cali. Cali is good, but the cost of living is not worth it if you don't have a thorough plan for your future.

[bycklsa]

On 3/28/2019 at 10:36 PM, mr_grad said:

(you might also want to think about where you'd like to land up, actually Raleigh NC is one of the best job markets right now. -> https://www.wsj.com/articles/where-the-jobs-are-11551441214?mod=article_inlinecolor by number, obviously California is the US' tech economic engine...)

also - maybe think about your political sensibilities. you may feel far more "at home" in one of these locations...

Great programs. Good luck!!!

Your help is greatly appreciated. I was referring to the accessibility of employment opportunities.

[yayeducation]

USC is nice, but if location is important to you, Duke is the way to go...