U. Illinois Urbana-Champaign vs. UCSD for MS in Computer Science?

[jamesrr]

I'm thrilled to be admitted to both of these schools, but it's a bit of a dilemma for me. I would much, much rather live in San Diego than central Illinois, but UIUC seems to have a much better reputation than UCSD. For what it's worth, US World Report ranks UCSD at #14 and UIUC at #5.

 

Does anyone know anything about these two programs that might help me decide? Or about the cities (particularly Urbana)? I am interested in machine learning and NLP, but both programs seem reasonably strong in these areas. One other thing tipping the scales is the fact that I'm a California resident and my tuition at UCSD would be lower than if I go to UIUC.

 

Thanks!

[TheMostPowerfulApplicant]

I would also be interested in anyone answering this... the prospects of having to move to Illinois is a turn off coming from CA.

[girbgirl]

I went to UIUC for my undergrad, and the cities (Urbana and Champaign) are alright. They have some good places to eat and drink, nothing spectacular but definitely passable.

 

I don't know where you come from (California?), but Illinois gets all four seasons. This winter has been exceptionally snowy and cold, with many days with highs in the single digits. Typically the highs are around freezing. The summers, if you'll be spending them here, are fairly hot and humid. Spring and fall tend to be short with long summers and winters. I know a grad student who came to UIUC from San Diego and the winter was a real adjustment for him. He had to go out and buy an actual winter coat for the first time.

[AWall2014]

Is UIUC's Master's degree in Computer Science program 2 years?  If it is, that's not too long.  I'd go with them if the program is clearly stronger and provides adequate fin. aid.  That's why I don't mind the prospect of living in West Lafayette for Purdue lol

Edited February 16, 2014 by AWall2014