For a master's graduate program should I choose the University of Chicago or North Carolina State University?

[Kitty19]

I've chosen a master's graduate program in computer science and would like to know which one is better. Yes, I do know that the University of Chicago (UC) is ranked at #9 in the US but a few professors I know say that for computer science it's not such a great university as it focuses only on theory and scientific computing.

Also, North Carolina State University (NCSU) is part of a huge research triangle and it does have a good reputation. Apparently it's better for a broad based computer science master's program, which is what I'm looking for.

Moreover, UC is more expensive when compared to NCSU. But if the job and internship prospects are better at UC then would the returns I'd get later would be better than what I'd get from NCSU?

Again, some say that as the UC is located downtown it's highly unsafe especially when compared to NCSU. Is that true?

Could you all tell me your views on the matter? I would greatly appreciate it!

[fumblewhat]

I can't answer the rest of your question, but Hyde Park -- the neighborhood where UC is -- is one of the nicest areas of Chicago. Barack Obama's house is there. I'm sure there's some crime, like in any other major city, but I really wouldn't consider this in making your decision. If I were going to live in Chicago, it'd be Hyde Park in a second!

[vega maudlin]

I went to the U of C. Fumblewhat is right, the area is lovely, and there's an excellent police/safety system set up for students. However, I have indeed heard from students on campus that computer science classes are more theoretical than practical/general. I had two friends in the department (as undergrad majors) -- one of them is now in a PhD for Theoretical Computer Science and the other I THINK I remember complaining that the department was too theoretical... but geez, I haven't talked to him in so long that I might be making it up.

That is all to say that yes, might be more theoretical, but it's probably worth asking around a little more to be sure. Have you tried asking in the computer science forum? There's a chance that someone there knows better.

I've chosen a master's graduate program in computer science and would like to know which one is better. Yes, I do know that the University of Chicago (UC) is ranked at #9 in the US but a few professors I know say that for computer science it's not such a great university as it focuses only on theory and scientific computing.

Also, North Carolina State University (NCSU) is part of a huge research triangle and it does have a good reputation. Apparently it's better for a broad based computer science master's program, which is what I'm looking for.

Moreover, UC is more expensive when compared to NCSU. But if the job and internship prospects are better at UC then would the returns I'd get later would be better than what I'd get from NCSU?

Again, some say that as the UC is located downtown it's highly unsafe especially when compared to NCSU. Is that true?

Could you all tell me your views on the matter? I would greatly appreciate it!

[billrach]

Was Chicago really ranked #9 in CS back in 2011?  What did you end up choosing OP?