CMU MSCS/MSAII vs Columbia MSCS

Graduate School
,
1

Hey folks, I’ve recently been admitted to both Columbia’s MSCS program and CMU’s MSCS and MSAII programs.

On paper, CMU’s CS program is stronger than Columbia’s. But there are a few factors making this not so much of an easy decision for me

  • I live in New York and would like to continue living in New York and develop a network here
  • I have entrepreneurial ambitions and believe Columbia is better for that
  • I feel like I may eventually move towards the sales side, though this is far out

Columbia is much more appealing to me. But is it even worth considering given the disparity in program strength? How big do you think that disparity is?

2

Yes it is ajd you should attend based on everything you said.

Prestige isn’t everything and it’s not like Columbia isn’t prestigious.

Sales jobs - you don’t even need these names.

Good luck.

3

The thing is I do also care very much about academics. CMU MSAII will make me an expert in AI. Columbia has somewhat of a reputation of just being a cash cow program that doesn’t teach. But I really have no idea. I’d go to Columbia if the disparity in education is not that big, but if it is, I don’t think I can justify it