UCLA Ling + CS vs UW CS

OP: The cost difference is substantial. Difference in annual COA is over $40,000 per year. ($76,327 for UCLA versus $34,948 for UW-Seattle = $41,379 difference.)

UW-CS is higher ranked than UCLA’s program.

The University District in Seattle has a lot of homeless residents who have become increasingly aggressive. More of an annoyance than a serious safety issue.

Do you suffer from SAD (seasonal affective disorder) ? If yes, then Seattle may not be the best location for you.

Discuss cost of attendance with your parents ? Do they believe that you will be able to borrow over $165,000 during the next four years ?

Student debt is a serious problem in the US. Causes indebted students lots of stress and depression, less job choice/flexibility, causes many to delay marriage, delay/forego buying a home, and delay/forego having children.

With a younger sibling heading to college during your college years (I presume), your parents need to be upfront & clear regarding how they will pay, or how they expect you to pay, for UCLA as well as funding your younger sibling’s education. Many parents have mistaken beliefs about sources of funds for college. What if the money runs out after a year or two ?