Need help choosing between UCLA and CMU

[schiezophrenic]

Greetings to All !!

I have applied for the MS program with Computer Engineering as my specialisation. I recently received an admit from

UCLA and now I am confused as to whether CMU is a better option or UCLA. Though I still have some 4 more top

schools whose decision is pending, but I have a feeling except one, others will give a reject. So, technically I have these

2 only in my kitty.

First, I would like to share a few plus points about CMU that I have gathered (please correct me If I am wrong):

1) CMU is just below MIT & Stanford in the US news ranking under the Computer Engg. Category, so ranking wise

it is better.

2) CMU presumably has a good placement rate (86%). Though I dont get it, If 64% out of the 86%, join phD, then how are they

placed. phD is not exactly a job or maybe if you get RA then it is. Also, CMU grads are paid higher.

Second, some plus points of UCLA:

1)My personal favorite because it is located in California and they are a very selective university, so hard to get in.

2)Though living costs are higher in LA, CMU tuition is 4 times UCLA and make CMU atleast $30 grand more expensive(assuming no TA & RA).

3)Though I plan to pursue phD after MS, but in case I need a job, I think california will have more oppotunities compared to Pittsburgh

because of recession.

Research Work wise, I dont know how easy it will be to get a Research advisor and join a research group at CMU, as they have

stopped offering MS with thesis option. They only have a fast track professional MS program now (sounds more like a money minting program to me).

In UCLA I can choose thesis option, so I may get a chance to do a project or two with some good prof.

Please post your suggestions and views. Thanks to all.

[origin415]

The UCLA resident tuition is a fourth of the CMU tuition, but if you are foreign you are not a California resident. The out of state tuition is $23,337 according to US News at UCLA, $35,700 for CMU.

I don't know much about Computer Engineering, so I don't think I can help much, but I will say that if you intend to go for a PhD, having a masters thesis and research will look a lot better than a fast track professional MS.

[kowtown]

I think california will have more oppotunities compared to Pittsburgh because of recession.

I don't know much about LA but I know Pittsburgh has weathered the recession quite well and California has not!