<p>Hi, this question is specifically for UIUC alumni and current students…</p>
<p>I’m an international student accepted into UIUC’s Computer Engineering program. I didn’t get any financial or merit scholarships (I don’t think UIUC offers them to intl’s) and I’ll be paying full out of state tuition, which is about $48k per year.</p>
<p>What are the chances of a job after graduation (assuming the US economy recovers by the time I graduate)? What are the companies that hire on-campus…do they hire many internationals? Do they give high salaries? Are there any scholarships available after I join a department? How much can I earn if I work at UIUC during my studies?</p>
<p>Overall, I have one key question: Is it worth it?</p>
<p>All answers are greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>P.S.
If you seriously think I should NOT attend UIUC, which university from the list will you recommend me to attend (based on job prospects after graduation): Rose Hulman, $46000 per year; Drexel, $35000 per year; Hofstra, $27000 per year.</p>
<p>People, please reply, I’m making a life changing decision here…</p>
<p>Well, I’m not a student nor am I alumni of UIUC, but I can attempt to answer some questions, I guess. Just remember, while you were posting these messages, most people in the US were asleep; if you give it a couple days more people will respond.</p>
<p>Anyway, from what I have been told, the CompE and CompSci students have very good job security when they leave college. The department actually mentioned it several times while I was there; apparently a lot of silicon valley companies and big names like Microsoft and Google do recruiting at UIUC. As long as you maintain strong grades and also gain as much internship / research experience as possible, it should not be a problem for you to find work, especially since the economy will hopefully have rebounded by the time we graduate! I also do not believe that employers discriminate against internationals, but I’m not as familiar with that process as I am with the college admissions process.</p>
<p>The salary of whatever job you find is totally dependent on how nice of a job you get. It’s impossible to say at this point “You’ll get a $x job out of college.”</p>
<p>There are scholarships that you may apply to during your later years at UIUC; you just need to maintain strong academic performance to earn them. And if you need an internship or work-study program, I’m sure you could find what you’re look for as long as you make an effort and ask the school for help.</p>
<p>As for whether or not it’s worth it… That’s up to you. UIUC has a very strong engineering department, and their compsci is top notch. However, you also mentioned a few other schools that are also well-known and respectable. I’d say it’s ultimately up to you and whether or not you feel UIUC is a good match for you as an individual.</p>
<p>Thanks a ton for your reply Regenesus!</p>
<p>from the schools in your list UIUC wins easily - great reputation and job prospects. it’s rather a large school compared to Rose Hulman, which will be my second choice. but it won’t save much $$.</p>
<p>Thanks for the reply itsme123!</p>
<p>By the way, are you currently at UIUC? If you are, would you mind if I PM’ed you later on…I might have some more questions.</p>
<p>As an international student you also have to realize the difficulties of work visas needed, regardless of where you go for UG.</p>
<p>devasia, yes you can pm me.</p>