I will be majoring in applied physics with a computational physics track. I don’t want to get into academia but something more industry focused combining subjects like physics, cs and data science. Purdue is nearly 10K cheaper than Georgia tech and I like the rural setting more at Purdue. But it seems GT has a better reputation in tech even though Purdue has one of the best CS programs in the nation. Is GT worth the extra money?
In your case, no.
In other cases yes - for similar reasons for another student that prefers Atlanta.
You like Purdue better (I’m with you there) - although I’m not sure I’d call it rural - but yes, different than Ga Tech.
That it’s saving you $10K is just icing on the cake.
In the end, you should be where you want to be - even if one were more reputed - because four years is a long time and you will be there day after day after day.
Many a student chooses a school that is less esteemed - both mine did - but frankly, your dropoff (if there even is one) is minimal amongst your two choices.
Good luck.
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My personal opinion agrees with @tsbna44. I think that you are comparing two excellent opportunities at two excellent universities. If you feel that Purdue is a better fit, and if it is less expensive, then I think that that it is an excellent choice.
My first full time job was as a software engineer at a cyclotron. I have more recently had a tour of a linear accelerator and a radio telescope. To me applied physics and computer science make a very good combination. There are a lot of computers needed to keep physics research facilities running. You will also want some math. For example all of multi-variate calculus, linear algebra, and probability and statistics are things that I found very useful on this first job (and on a few other jobs in a slightly different field). I think that you are considering a good combination of subjects. If you want to branch out, then Operations Research, data structures, and algorithms (whether networking or otherwise) are likely to also be interesting. You are likely to get a bit of this among your computer science classes. Of course this is all great fun and I am a bit jealous! 
Best wishes.
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Thanks for your views. Do you think I would get more opportunities at GT because of it being located in a tech hub? Also, even though GT is ranked a bit higher do you think there is any difference in reputation compared to Purdue?
I can’t answer the first - ask the school or look at online their career outcomes.
I do know this - you can get one job. That’s it.
My kid went to Alabama for engineering - and had 20 interviews and 5 offers by xmas. It’s not reputed. He turned down Purdue with merit. He works, side by side, same salary with Michigan, Purdue but also Western Michigan, Utah, etc. He interened with two Ga Tech kids.
So will one place better? Maybe, maybe not - but you only are taking one job?
Do I think there’s a difference in reputation? Depends on who you ask - reputation is to each their own and I can’t ask a zillion people. Is Ga Tech likely more reputed - yes. But then doesn’t mean it holds in the job market or anything else. Purdue is very well thought of as well.
You want to be at Purdue. It’s a fantastic school.
Why would you try and talk yourself out of it?
You will wake up every day, look outside your window. Do you want to be in midtown, just North of downtown Atlanta, bordering the I75/85. or in W. Lafayette?
You’ve already answered that btw - and frankly, it matters more than the questions you are asking.
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#3 vs. #5 (or 6 vs. 9, or whatever…) is not a meaningful difference. Both are excellent at CS/Engineering things. You seem to prefer Purdue, and you’ll save money. This is a no-brainer: go with Fit and Finances.
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They both have excellent reputations in industry (and you indicated that you want a more industry focused program).
Have you looked closely at the curriculum of each school in your major? There may be more meaningful differences between them at that level, rather than reputation. I would look closely at things like
- the courses you would be taking – is this what you want to study? do they look interesting?
- what kind of electives would you take as part of this degree? if there is space for free electives, what sort of upper level courses, or courses in other departments, are available at this school that fit your interests?
- if you have multiple potential interests, and eventually wanted to change your major or focus within your major, could you do it? what would be involved?
- what about clubs, project teams, extracurriculars available at this school that fit your interest? how strong are they, how much do they fit what you want, and what is the process for joining them?
I’m sure these schools are not exactly the same on all these “fit” measures. Once you start looking into things like this you may uncover some big differences that may tip the scale in one direction or the other.
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Both are good options. If you prefer Purdue and it saves you money (and assume that $10k difference is every year, so it’s $40K) then Purdue is a fine option.
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I am looking to do a double major in Data science which Purdue offers but GT doesn’t. But a CS double major also works for me as the curriculum is very similar. Also, is it true I would get a better peer group at GT because it’s admissions are more selective? Is it something I should worry about?
Better - maybe a tad more academically accomplished maybe - and should you worry, absolutely not.
You are talking about two like schools - in many ways.
You are overthinking the difference between the two.
Two kids - one gets into both - and one chooses Purdue and one Ga Tech - they are different environments, etc. and that’s what you should focus on (and cost if an issue for you).
My primary interest is in applied physics. I want to complement it with a double major in CS/Data science. So, does Georgia tech have a better reputation than Purdue in these two fields and is it worth paying 10K more?
If you’re going to keep questioning it, then go to Tech - yet in the first message you said you like the setting more at Purdue.
But if you’re always going to question Purdue, then go to the one you won’t question.
You may (or may not) like it there - but you’ll have the prestige you think Purdue is missing.
My daughter was accepted for this major at both of these schools (OOS for both). She chose Georgia Tech. We liked Purdue a lot, but in the end its location was its downfall. We went to the college of science admitted students events, and spoke with current students and professors and they told us that the only internships available on campus was on campus research. Everything else was off campus in places like Chicago or Atlanta. Since we live in CT, it wasn’t ideal. Georgia tech has far better internship/coop opportunities available locally. But I think if you’re located within driving distance to Purdue , that could change your decision.
I am not questioning Purdue. I want to understand why people think Tech has a better reputation than Purdue even though for me both schools are at par with each other.
“Is Ga Tech likely more reputed - yes” Why do you think so?
Does it - have a better rep?
In the end, you are going somewhere four years and you will be there day after day.
Got it. Most likely I will commit to Purdue then. My top choice was UIUC as the department is T10 and is better than both Georgia Tech and Purdue. I would have even picked it over ivies like Cornell. But I turned it down as it was too expensive. So, it’s useless to worry about marginal differences in reputation and I should commit where it’s the cheapest.
No - you should commit (assuming affordability) where you feel you belong.
UIUC is another great name but as an example, you prefer Purdue and mine loved it. It finished his #2 choice. He wouldn’t consider Ga Tech because it’s near downtown - and he doesn’t like that. And when we visited UIUC, he couldn’t wait to escape.
So everyone has a different feeling about different places.
None of the names you mention lacks in stature - but they may lack in fit for you.
And that’s most important.
And even if it negligibly in rank - and rank/prestige are very subjective, don’t forget kids choose lesser ranked or safeties each and every day of the week. Both mine did and the one who graduated is shinning thus far.
So go to the best place for you - and that’s where you’ll shine.
40K (the 10K/year difference) is not pocket change. But both schools are excellent and you will do fine either way. The “reputation” isn’t dramatically different. It sounds like you prefer Purdue, so no need to have to answer to others here or anywhere. Have a great time at Purdue and invest the 40K! Remember too, you might have done a co-op at GT, so you might not finish in 4 yrs. The cost could be a tad more than the 40K difference (even though you are also paid as a co op student) Undergraduate Co-op Program – Career Center
UIUC is probably the best place for me but my parents are not going to pay 20K more for it. Purdue is the second best and I will be happy there.
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I agree. The schools both will serve you well academically.
I suggest you look at the other things in a college that will please you…location, ease of travel, facilities other than the academic ones, etc. You should pick the place you can picture yourself at for four years.
Neither of these is a bad choice! Congratulations!
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