Problem deciding which offer to accept

[throughddark]

I have applied for Fall 2011 MS Computer Science program. I have got admit offers from UT Austin (w/o funding) , UIUC (w/o funding), Princeton (with funding) and U Wisconsin Madison (with funding). I am interested in Computer networks: Internet and its protocols, CDN, Cloud, Routing etc. I am not too keen about wireless networks. Funding is a priority but I can sacrifice it for a good research group. I am presently not sure if I would pursue a PhD after my masters.

I am having a tough time arriving at a decision. Please help.

[newms]

Funded offers are better than non-funded ones (unless you have a lot of money at your disposal to pay tuition, or don't mind getting into debt). If you could want to do a PhD later on, a research based MS is better than a terminal one. So if I were you, I'd choose between Princeton and Wisconsin and choose which of the the two was research based and the better fit for my interests. I know that Princeton is strong in Networks and their MS has a thesis requirement, so I'd be leaning towards Princeton.

[throughddark]

Thanks a lot for the detailed answer newms. All the best for the remaining results!

[newms]

Thanks a lot for the detailed answer newms. All the best for the remaining results!

No problem and thanks for the well wishes. Congratulations on your multiple offers - it's a pretty nice problem to have.

[svs]

Could anyone please suggest which university would be better for MS in CS , really confused ,amongst OHIO state uni, NCSU and USC considering placements and coursework . Thanks.

[beanbagchairs]

Could anyone please suggest which university would be better for MS in CS , really confused ,amongst OHIO state uni, NCSU and USC considering placements and coursework . Thanks.

I'd go for USC.. It's in california, where lots of jobs are.