It’s a personal question. Can you afford over $325K for UCB? That’s a lot to make up for - or $250K for UIUC?
Wil it impact your life?
My nephew works in NYC at one of the big big companies in CS with a degree in poli sci from Arizona…a CS degree from UCB assures nothing. My nephew had to pass test after test (self taught with help of a friend) and the grads do too.
So - here’s a few things:
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CS is down job wise - you don’t know where it will be in four years
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You can apply anywhere - doesn’t mean you’re getting in. Don’t forget, UC won’t see your test score.
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Here’s the outcomes for class of 2024, domestic students. Maybe they make a lot of money - but many don’t find jobs (at least at the date of the last snapshot):
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Yes, the UCB salary is great - but where is the job located?
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Other schools will have more campus life than UTD - sports, surrounding areas for pizza, if that matters.
I put the 2024 snapshot and salaries below.
It’s a lot to think about. I’m very conservative so I’d say heck no - especially UCB because you are $325K+ and that’s a lot of money to make up. I’m full pay but both my kids had a much smaller budget.
Others think differently and over the longer term, you can make it back and then some or the contacts at other schools will be better. I’d counter that with there’s no guarantee and near a quarter of UCB 24 grads were still looking - months after graduation - not sure when the last snapshot was.
You also have to know your student - would they be comfortable that far from home - and then it’s more trips coming home at holidays, etc.
Totally personal call.
I would ask UTD for their career outcomes. They show 1095 responses for Bachelor in 2024, and lot of job titles and jobs but no money. They will know but Dallas is much cheaper than SF.
In the end, it’s a very personal family call. But you can put in all the apps and see - where you even get into. And go from there.
Best of luck in what you decide.
