Stony Brook University vs William and Mary for Computer Science?
I’m having trouble deciding between the two colleges for Computer Science. I’m entering as a College Freshman in Fall 2024.
Net price per year at each college, after applying scholarships and financial aid grants.
Stony Brook University: $48K/year (out-of-state)
William and Mary: $42K/year (in-state)
The price difference between the colleges is similar enough to where it isn’t a large factor in the decision-making process for me.
Major/division admitted to at each college, if applicable to the college. Also, any special programs like honors programs or combined degree programs (e.g. BA/BS->MD).
Stony Brook: Area of Interest in Computer Science (College of Engineering and Applied Sciences)
William and Mary: Computer Science (Department of Computer Science)
I plan on pursuing the BS program for both schools. Both are not direct admission into the major, but I was listed as an AOI for Stony Brook.
If you applied to regular fall term start, specify if you were admitted to start at a different campus, in study abroad, in an online/distance or extension program, or other than in the fall term.
I am starting in the fall on campus, without any special circumstances.
Desired major and post-graduation goals (including if pre-med, pre-law, etc.).
I am majoring in Computer Science while planning to pursue a job in the A.I. field, for now.
International or domestic student (and state of residency if domestic).
For William and Mary, I am an in-state student, while for Stony Brook University I am an out-of-state student.
Student preferences beyond the above (including weather, class sizes, campus culture, college demographics, fraternities/sororities, distance from home, etc.).
I prefer to attend a lively campus with rich culture and diversity. I don’t mind proximity to home, but William and Mary is within an hour from where I live. Class sizes aren’t a huge factor for me, but smaller is typically better. However, I do prefer larger colleges, but again it isn’t a huge factor.
Above all, I prioritize the quality of the program and the educational experience itself, as well as connections to the industry.
Preliminary assessment of each college based on the above.
For Stony Brook, being to close to New York City is a huge plus, especially with the connections it brings. From the research I’ve done, I’ve heard that SBU has a better CS program than W&M, but the rankings/anecdotes are varied from what I found. I also appreciate the greater diversity at SBU, especially as an Asian American.
On the other hand, I’ve heard W&M is better for the college experience itself, with a more active social scene. Based on rankings, I saw that the college itself is overall ranked higher nationally than SBU. SBU is also closer to home, which makes visiting family easier, but as stated above that’s not a large factor.
Why did you apply to each college you are considering?
I applied to SBU because a family friend recommended it to me and its well-known CS program, while I applied to W&M for its reputation and because it is in-state. I have also heard that W&M is greatly increasing its funding for CS. As of right now, I am leaning on SBU, but W&M is still a huge consideration.
Main Question
I have already looked into both colleges thoroughly, but I’m still somewhat unsure which is better. Clearly, both have their strengths and weaknesses, but I would like external feedback on which is better suited for me. I know that CS is a very industry-experience focused career, and I’m also wondering which college would best prepare me for that.
Thank you all!