Cornell M.Eng vs. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities MS

[Sriracha]

*I actually posted this in the decisions thread, but I thought it wouldn't hurt to post here as well.*

 

This would be for biomedical engineering. Unfortunately, neither of these programs are funded (I got into the Plan B MS program at UMN). 1 year at Cornell would cost approximately the same as 2 years at Minnesota.

 

I definitely want to go into industry after graduating. I know the location for Minnesota is great -- many medical device companies are housed there, and maybe I can establish some connections. However, I can't help but think the Cornell name would be useful in the future, and I like the idea of being an Ivy graduate. 

 

I'm pretty torn at this point. Advice/suggestions/any general help? 

 

Thank you! I really appreciate it. 

 

[justinmcummings]

Right now I am thinking about doing my MSEE at University of Minnesota, the city looks and sounds awesome from what I have been able to research. I am going to visit there in the next month and start looking for housing if I don't get any other offers or funding elsewhere. I have also been applying for jobs there and the medical field is huge. For me personally I am going to go on to a PhD hopefully so I am taking my time and doing the thesis track which I would imagine would be difficult to fit into one year. I was trying to decide between a top ranked prestigious program (Umich) and a slightly less but more interesting city life and I ultimately am going with UMinn because the job field is much better and I will be able to get a job in that city rather than having to move right after graduation if I am not accepted to the PhD track. Not sure if any of that helps you out but if you have anymore follow up questions I could maybe help you in the right direction.

 

Also a side note on funding, the university as a whole looks like they really try to support their graduate students ONCE they are actually enrolled and taking classes. So you might not have funding now, but it seems obtainable after like the first semester or once we get there.

[Sriracha]

The funding aspect is interesting. Did you hear about that from someone or read something online?