Cornell vs UVA (Debt vs No Debt)

mcintirehopeful
Sun, 10 May 2015 16:32:37 +0000

cmsjmt makes a great point, particularly due to your interest in CS. Maybe my situation will help you out, and I’m keen to hear what you decide(d).

I have been pondering UVa McIntire (instate; no debt) vs Cornell ILR ($50k debt) for the past week or so. I’ve been accepted to both as a third year transfer. Although I prefer nearly everything about the ILR curriculum, I’m going to UVa. For me, financial independence is important. Huge debt is bonkers for mostly subjective factors. Plus, ILR has a two year graduate course that’s considerably cheaper. $20k/year vs $49k/year undergrad.

That being said, I’m currently abroad and nearly everyone I’ve talked to knows Cornell and that it’s prestigious - Europeans, Aussies, and especially East Asians (thank you Lee Teng-hui). No one has recognized UVa except the one Scott who read the rape article.

Already having McIntire makes the decision clear for me. If you go CS, Cornell is one of the best places for it. UVa may be the best value for money but if you’re not entirely risk adverse and know you can perform at Cornell then… well, I’m indecisive so I’d say flip a coin.