UCSD vs TAMU MSCS

[rockyB]

Hi,

 

I have been admitted to TAMU and UCSD for CS.

Planning for non-thesis.

 

I would have taken UCSD(#15) over TAMU(#40) hands down but the problem is the finances.

 

I-20 Amounts: 

UCSD= 55k [30k Tuition + 25k Living Expenses] 

TAMU = 33k [15k Tuition + 20k Living Expenses]

 

Problem:

1)I don't have 55k to show in liquid assets.

Only possible through a loan + liquid assets.Is that fine?

 

2)Is the difference in geographical location + tag + job opportunities + education huge so as to overlook the financial aspect?

 

 

Thanks for all your answers!!

[DeleteMePlease]

I am unsure if it is possible to apply for a visa when funding is covered by a loan. Maybe ask in the international section.

Aren't there any stipends or other kind of support you can get?

 

Personally, I would go for TAMU if you really pay tuition yourself. It still has a good reputation as far as I know and I don't think you will learn that much more in UCSD. Rankings are much more important when you go for a Ph.D. because here the people you work for and with are important and not the coursework.

Edited March 30, 2014 by GermanStudent

[rockyB]

Thanks for you reply GermanStudent.
 
I have talked to a few friends at TAMU and they believe I should go to UCSD.
I needed a UCSD perspective.
 
Pros of UCSD:
1)I have heard the placements are great and much better than TAMU.
2)Also the batch size is smaller at UCSD

3)The tag of UCSD in the silicon valley is widely recognized.
3) San Diego is a better place than college station.
 
Cons:
1)Fees which twice or 15k more. But this is somewhat the average for the top 20 universities.
 2) The cost of living is also twice.

Please correct me if I am wrong.

[Meirrin]

The tag of UCSD in the silicon valley is widely recognized.

Truth

Edited April 1, 2014 by Meirrin

[cbttcher]

I am unsure if it is possible to apply for a visa when funding is covered by a loan. Maybe ask in the international section.

 

I had a loan and still got my F-1.

[DeleteMePlease]

I had a loan and still got my F-1.

 

Good to know that that is possible. How does this work? Is there any additional documentation one has to show?

[cbttcher]

I had a copy of my student loan contract with me when applying for the visa. It said how much money I'd get each month and for how long and that was enough.