Program decision DUKE or UIUC?

[George2248]

I applied to 2 very different programs, but I really like both:

1. UIUC: Construction Management Program, ranked 3rd in Civil Engineering.

2. DUKE: Master in Engineering Management, ranked 20ish in Engineering, but the MEM program is associated with MIT, Stanford, Dartmouth and others. Also Duke is ranked better overall.

One important factor for me is the possibility of getting a job in the US after graduating, since I am an international student. With this in mind, what would you think matter most? overall ranking? field ranking? program associated with Ivy leagues?

Basically what I am asking is for an outside opinion, what would you do if you were me?

[Jon1415]

I applied to 2 very different programs, but I really like both: 1. UIUC: Construction Management Program, ranked 3rd in Civil Engineering. 2. DUKE: Master in Engineering Management, ranked 20ish in Engineering, but the MEM program is associated with MIT, Stanford, Dartmouth and others. Also Duke is ranked better overall. One important factor for me is the possibility of getting a job in the US after graduating, since I am an international student. With this in mind, what would you think matter most? overall ranking? field ranking? program associated with Ivy leagues? Basically what I am asking is for an outside opinion, what would you do if you were me?

Did you decide not to pursue Columbia?

[George2248]

Did you decide not to pursue Columbia?

Change of plans, I was accepted in Stanford with lots of financial aid, so I accepted their offer....

[Jon1415]

Change of plans, I was accepted in Stanford with lots of financial aid, so I accepted their offer....

Congrats! For engineering management or construction management?

[George2248]

Congrats! For engineering management or construction management?

MS in Construction Engineering and Management (CEM)