program ranking vs school ranking

[k77s]

I'm looking to get an MS in computer science and eventually work in the finance industry (where the reputation of a school is important). I have noticed that spread between school ranking and compSci rankings can be quite large at many universities. My question is: What is more important and why? School ranking or program ranking (absent of all other factors)?

Thanks for your time and help!

[ponylevel]

These assertions can only be made on a case by case basis (and even then with ambiguity). For example, would you pick UIUC over Harvard? I wouldn't. But would I pick CMU over Harvard? Probably.

[ANDS!]

Program. The top schools all have their "dog" programs, and at the graduate level people KNOW what those programs are. It doesn't make sense to get a low ranked degree from a top ranked school. I would go with the better ranked program any day (of course this assumes all else is equal - which it usually isn't). As the person above said, I'd rather live in MASS than CHAMP.

[ponylevel]

Because you're going for a masters, it doesn't hurt much to go after the overall brand name. At the end of the day, industry and academia will recognize your school. Even if UIUC was in a nice location, I'd still pick Harvard for the brand (this is despite Harvard's CS rank being much much lower). If you were going for a PhD, then it's mainly about research fit.

[k77s]

I know it was a bit of a vague question, but thanks for the advice. I appreciate it!