UCSB vs SUNY-SB

[g_sam]

Hi,

I've got admits from UCSB and SUNY SB for MS in CS. I want to specialize in Distributed Computing/Networking. I'm now in a dilemma over which University to choose.

Considering these factors:

1. Tuition fee - I know SB is cheaper.

2. Research/Projects

3. Funding

4. Cost of Living

5. On-campus jobs

6. Job scene post MS.

Please suggest. Thanks.

Edited March 27, 2011 by g_sam

[edvolkov]

Rankings are pretty similar (last year SUNY was 31 on US news rankings), faculty is similar too in terms of different indexes (h-index, g-index and several others - I've measured them).

Don't know about research in Distributed Computing / Networking - you should check it by yourself (pubs at top conferences in last years, match with your interests, alumni placement) (I only know that UCSB is little stronger in security area).

Funding scenario is better in UCSB (but tuition fee is higher)

Cost of living is similar (both are pretty high)

I think, that UCSB is better in finding job post MS since it is located in CA:) Also the climate in this area is much better than in NY:)

These universities are pretty identical by your criteria. I suggest you to investigate the "research" factor and to make your decision basing on it.

[g_sam]

Rankings are pretty similar (last year SUNY was 31 on US news rankings), faculty is similar too in terms of different indexes (h-index, g-index and several others - I've measured them).

Don't know about research in Distributed Computing / Networking - you should check it by yourself (pubs at top conferences in last years, match with your interests, alumni placement) (I only know that UCSB is little stronger in security area).

Funding scenario is better in UCSB (but tuition fee is higher)

Cost of living is similar (both are pretty high)

I think, that UCSB is better in finding job post MS since it is located in CA:) Also the climate in this area is much better than in NY:)

These universities are pretty identical by your criteria. I suggest you to investigate the "research" factor and to make your decision basing on it.

Thanks edvolkov!

[stopcallinmesqrlboy]

Rankings are pretty similar (last year SUNY was 31 on US news rankings), faculty is similar too in terms of different indexes (h-index, g-index and several others - I've measured them).

...

I think, that UCSB is better in finding job post MS since it is located in CA:) Also the climate in this area is much better than in NY:)

...

This. Both are relatively similar in terms of research productivity. I was also accepted into both these programs, except, I was accepted for PhD at UCSB. I was told by one of the faculty at SB that masters students rarely get funding and that there are 200+ masters students in their program, so competition to work with faculty members is tough.

Also, take into account the campus of UCSB and SB, too. I visited Stony Brook and it is boring and rather ugly. However, UCSB looks like paradise and at least there is a small downtown area. Overall UCSB will be more expensive so if you could spare the extra change, then I'd say go for Santa Barbara.

[g_sam]

Thanks stopcallinmesqrlboy

How about the ROI factor?

Can someone elaborate on the job scenario at UCSB post MS. One of my seniors told me that UCSB doesn't enjoy the advantages of being located in California considering job opportunities. Is that true?

[try]

Hi,I also get cs msadmits from UCSB and SB.I also want to specialize in distributed systems and networking.So we two are almost identical.I definitely would like to choose UCSB over SB on account of reputation,location in CA.

[stopcallinmesqrlboy]

Thanks stopcallinmesqrlboy

How about the ROI factor?

Can someone elaborate on the job scenario at UCSB post MS. One of my seniors told me that UCSB doesn't enjoy the advantages of being located in California considering job opportunities. Is that true?

I don't think that's completely true. I think what it might come down to is do you have a place to stay in Silicon Valley for an internship (job?) and will you have someone to sublet your place in Santa Barbara. It's just not as easy to do it as say Berkeley or Stanford.

[stopcallinmesqrlboy]

Also, I've heard there are a bunch of start ups in Santa Barbara, so much that they are starting to call it "Silicon Beach". But do you even want to work for a start up? Or a well established corporation?

[Radian]

consider the co-managed national labs at Stony Brook. For instance, the Brookhaven National Lab is co-managed by Stony Brook, MIT, Princeton, Cornell, Columbia and University of California (Yet I don't know if they work in your field. You have to check it by yourself).

The only negative aspect to me is the high number of Master students at Stony Brook in your field and of course bad living circumstances (which in your case wouldn't be a concern as you will be staying for only 2 years)

Edited April 8, 2011 by Radian

[g_sam]

Also, I've heard there are a bunch of start ups in Santa Barbara, so much that they are starting to call it "Silicon Beach". But do you even want to work for a start up? Or a well established corporation?

Thanks stopcallinmesqrlboy for the inputs. Well, I don't really mind working for start-ups as long as I'm satisfied with whatever work I do.

consider the co-managed national labs at Stony Brook. For instance, the Brookhaven National Lab is co-managed by Stony Brook, MIT, Princeton, Cornell, Columbia and University of California (Yet I don't know if they work in your field. You have to check it by yourself).

The only negative aspect to me is the high number of Master students at Stony Brook in your field and of course bad living circumstances (which in your case wouldn't be a concern as you will be staying for only 2 years)

Thanks Radian.

Considering all the factors, I'm more inclined towards UCSB now.