<p>Hi, as an alumni of both the University of Pittsburgh and the UMD, I feel I can give some good insight into my impressions of the schools. I graudated with a BS in Engineering from Pitt in '05 and MS from UMD in '07 in Engineering. </p>
<p>I loved Pitt when I went there and upon arrival at UMD I was a bit disappointed by campus. I definitely give Pitt and South Oakland the advantage as far as campuses are concerned. I thought Pitt had a better vibe, more was happening, much more to do in the neighborhood etc., </p>
<p>As an engineering major, unfortately I don’t have the best insight into business programs but I have gotten the distinct impression that Maryland has a significantly better business program. As a business major, your degree only takes you so far unless it is Ivy league, so you need to get some good experience and there are many more opprotunities in the DC area than in Pittsburgh by far. The Maryland Alumni network is also stronger than Pitt’s, very important in business, and I get the feeling that Maryland’s business program is much more well run and developed than Pitt’s. Maryland also has a very strong Economics program that ties into the business program (notable alums, professors, including nobel prize winner in economics recently). </p>
<p>Both schools don’t have the name recognition to carry you on their own, but each are very well respected in their seperate locales. The difference is that there are literally 10x the job opportunities in the DC metro area than in Pittsburgh for business (and engineering, which is why I came here for grad school). And jobs are the real reasons that you’re going to school. </p>
<p>I would much rather go to Pitt than Maryland, but if I am objective I have no doubt Maryland bschool is better.</p>