iSchool - University of Michigan vs. University of Toronto

[godoftetris]

Hi, everyone!

I got offers of admission from both the University of Michigan and the University of Toronto into their information studies respectively (i.e. UMSI and iSchool).

I would definitely like to attend the UMSI, but unfortunately I was not awarded any financial aids.. So.. now that I have to pay approximately the 40K tuition + 20K living expenses per year to study at the University of Michigan, I am doubtful whether it is a good decision to choose the UMSI over the U of T's iSchool because the latter would cost much much less (I am a Permanent Resident in Canada, and I would move to Toronto with my family, so I wouldn't have to pay rent and plus, the tuition is much less, 13K per year) . The decision would have been much easier if I had received any awards from the U of T, but unfortunately again.. I didn't... (In fact, I expected to get some since my CGPA is 3.93/4.0 from McGill Honours' Degree..)

 

Anyways, my ultimate plan is to work as a UX designer after graduate studies, and I would like to work in the states considering UX designers earn more there, but I would also love to stay in Canada and work here. So.. Please help me make the decision! Any help or advice would be much much appreciated!! Thank you so much and have a great day!

Edited May 22, 2019 by godoftetris

[Reza2019]

Congrats. I got into the program at UoT as well. I feel that in UX your portfolio matters far more than your degree. Given that UoT offers good value for money and plenty of opportunity to build a portfolio, I'd choose UoT. As far as US salaries are concerned, don't forget to factor the high cost of living in cities like San Francisco. I vote for UoT. 

Edited May 22, 2019 by Reza2019

[jiessicaaaa]

Hi, we are on the same boat. I am an international student. I was admitted by UMich and U of T. It's really difficult for me to choose. ?

[godoftetris]

On 5/22/2019 at 9:16 PM, Reza2019 said:

Congrats. I got into the program at UoT as well. I feel that in UX your portfolio matters far more than your degree. Given that UoT offers good value for money and plenty of opportunity to build a portfolio, I'd choose UoT. As far as US salaries are concerned, don't forget to factor the high cost of living in cities like San Francisco. I vote for UoT. 

Thank you for your advice! I am actually leaning toward UoT. Are you also planning to attend the iSchool this fall then?

[godoftetris]

On 5/23/2019 at 4:39 PM, jiessicaaaa said:

Hi, we are on the same boat. I am an international student. I was admitted by UMich and U of T. It's really difficult for me to choose. ?

Haha!! I know right? Have you decided yet?

[jiessicaaaa]

1 hour ago, godoftetris said:

Haha!! I know right? Have you decided yet?

I did not decide yet.. and I was admitted by the MDEI University of Waterloo a few hours ago... I am really struggling on which program should I attend.. 

[ketchup23]

Definitely go to U of T. The money you'd be saving in tuition makes that a no brainer to me.