MSU vs PSU vs VT vs SJSU

[torn tapir]

Hey Everyone! I am an international applicant and I aspire to major in Computer Science. I have been accepted to around 8 Universities from where I have shortlisted to Michigan State University, Pennsylvania State University, Virginia Tech University, San Jose State University and University of Minnesota Twin Cities.
I will highly appreciate if anyone would guide me upon that.

**Michigan State University
Pros: **

1. Have 25k scholarship
2. Got into Honors College
3. Ranking is quite decent (58)

Cons:

1. Weather is too cold. In my country, the temperature goes up to 45 C.
2. I have better ranked Universities
3. Some people argue upon if there are opportunities for technology and work in a big tech firm.
4. Have heard shooting news.

Virginia Tech Main Campus
Pros:

1. Top 30 ranked University for Computer Science
2. Weather is really nice.
3. Close proximity to Maryland, will be have opportunities for job.
4. Campus is very big and will offer many things to explore

Cons:

1. COA is around 60k.
2. Some people say, the campus is isolated. I don’t know.

**Pennsylvania State University University Park
Pros: **

1. Highly ranked program (37)
2. Better tech opportunities
3. Better weather
4. The State overall is good
5. The campus is very big and will offer many things to explore

Cons:

1. COA is around 58k USD. My efc is around 35-40k.

**University of Minnesota
Pros: **

1. Decent ranking along with good CS program.
2. I have heard people saying Minneapolis to be really nice.

Cons:

1. COA is around 63k
2. Weather is extremely cold.

San Jose State University
Pros:

1. Better Return on Investment
2. Comparatively cheaper
3. Close proximity to big tech companies.

Cons:

1. Poorly ranked program
2. I don’t have my intended major which is Computer Science. I am selected for Data Science (I am not much interested in it) I will have to change it afterwards and there is a risk if they don’t change.

[elder drift]

don't consider VTech, PSU or UMinn unless you are getting a large discount (efc <35k)

SJSU is the best deal for you imo. Ranking doesn't matter, it has great connections to SV tech jobs

[arctic burrow]

sjsu

[torn tapir]

Talking to some seniors, they are saying these Public Univs dont offer any scholarships/financial aid to international students.

Apart from that, I am thinking of taking a loan to fund my education.

Just to add one more information, I have taken 3 APs last year with 5/5 on all and taking 3 this year. I dont know if they will significantly help in getting cost down but yeah.

[torn tapir]

How about the Data Science think at SJSU. I mean, I am very much interested in CS.

Also, will it be worth giving up a #29 ranked University when you are accepted to a Univ thats ranks 150 in CS and 1400 overall.

[elder drift]

they might save you 1/2 a quarter but not much

[elder drift]

DS at SJSU should be fine

it would not matter what the rank is because you are doing cs

with cs you just need the degree from a reasonably decent institution and that's it

again, the only case it might matter a small amount is if you go to HPSM or Caltech which are the top 5

and Berkeley's EECS

[torn tapir]

Ohh I see

One more thing, Is a degree from VT/PSU worth the loan I will take? I mean the quality of education, the value of degree (respect among companies) and will help me in later parts of life.

and ofcourse the ROI

[torn tapir]

I just feel, I dont want to restrict my potential.
I understand SJSU is very good but hope you get my point

[elder drift]

no, these are not prestigious in any way

in fact if you look at the data, you will see that sjsu will likely outperform them

in terms of employment and salary

[torn tapir]

Ohhh

Alright

Thanks for your views

[wide plume]

@torn tapir Hi, Can I DM? I've few queries regarding SJSU