You said you’re going to visit. So go in with an open mind or don’t go at all. That includes your parents. Or you won’t like it.
It’s not the middle of nowhere.
And it’s opinion, but way nicer than UMD.
good luck.
Here’s what they say career outcome wise:
The 2022 Graduation Survey administered by the University Career Center reported a 98% placement rate of UMD’s computer science graduates with a median starting salary of $100,000 with a range of notable employers, including Northrop Grumman, Deloitte, Capital One, Amazon, Google, Lockheed Martin and others. Of the survey respondents, 84% reported full-time employment, 11% are continuing their education, 2% are employed part-time and 1% are participating in volunteer or military service.
For the 2022-2023 graduating class, the average self-reported starting salary for a CS undergrad was $113,466. (Purdue). They place a lot in the NE - they show a list of companies. A lot in NYC
Visit with an open mind and see. IMO, a comfortably affordable Purdue is the winner. You will be in a challenging major and feeling pressure to work to help fund tuition can be a big additional stressor.
Also note that some schools reduce financial aid by any outside scholarships so check UMDs policy.
Programmer here. Here’s my advice. You don’t need to spend triple the tuition to go to an OOS college. CS is ridiculously employable. In fact, after about 3 years experience, employers don’t even ask where you went to school. If you have an in-state option, I would highly recommend going there and saving the $$. You won’t have trouble finding a job out of college, I promise.
I don’t think OP said their state but it’s obviously close to Maryland and they are just considering these two with a bias toward Maryland but hopefully an open mind no matter where they ultimately end up.
Perhaps there’s an in-state option too but it wasn’t mentioned.
W&M is a different type of school. You were concerned with gender balance. You’ll have more females there. But a great outcome nonetheless.
Back to @coolguy40 point, perhaps those are solid options too.
And the best food - allegedly - VT is tops althiugh my son ate Purdue’s for a week long camp and loved it.
VT says median is $90k w&M says $100k.
Most jobs pay by location of job, not school.
I wouldn’t dismiss the last two if you like them but that’s me.
But you do you - and if you are solely using us News rank - which by the way is simply asking deans who they like - there’s nothing quantitative behind it - then you have the right two.
Me personally - Va Tech is heaven. Have you been? Nicest campus in America :). Yes my opinion. I’d love to wake up there every day !!
But you were down to two. So that’s great. But money was a criteria and you have two top notch in state. So that to me seems like UMD would be an easy scratch. But again you do you.
Thanks for the clarification. I’d definitely give VT a hard look (as well as W&M if accepted). Personally, I don’t see the value in putting financial pressure on yourself and your family for UMD when both Purdue and VT are great options that seem to be comfortably affordable.
Thank you for your insight on both schools! I agree WM is different, might scratch it unless gives generous scholarship.
Yes VT is another consideration, but I haven’t had an official decision from them yet-- I applied for their scholarship + honors college so if I get both I will strongly consider VT.
Right now, VT and Purdue are both similar in price and similar rural location vibes wise, which in that case I would like to consider Purdue more with their stronger program. Both are also similar distance away (VT 4 hours drive vs. 2 hr flight to Indianapolis+ 1 hr drive to Purdue). UMD on the other hand stands out with its location near DC (good for internships!) and is only around 40 minutes away for me, but the price is its only downside for us. Each school has its pros and cons lol.
Ultimately, will visit all 3 schools once the decisions and final financial/merit stuff is out.
As an OOS student you won’t get need based aid from UMD. But if you are a very strong applicant (not just stats-wise because the decision is holistic) you might get some merit aid from UMD.
It’s good that you plan to visit all 3 schools. Make sure you attend the admitted student days as far as possible.
Yes, meant merit, I think it comes out later. Signed up for Purdue’s admitted students day in March, very excited. Waiting for UMD to roll out dates. Thanks!
I think it’s great you want to check out Purdue. Wonderful school. I’m not sure it’s stronger. That’s a matter of opinion. Btw that’s how US News determines rank - useless. Simply opinion, likely long ingrained in minds. They are not using data.
Travel could be a consideration - easier to drive 4 hours than fly.
Not steering you - I love both - but I hate when someone says one is stronger. I’m sure both are great - with some things better than the other at each. I’m not sure anyone knkws which is stronger in reality.
Yes, just heard Purdue recently got 100 million for their CS program and more faculty which is interesting. Great price…just location wise would need to go in person to see
Lol, so many rankings based on different aspects of school it is ultimately unpredictable
Thanks again for your input, not feeling as confused before
Agree to disagree. I work in tech, and not all programs are the same.
@Practical_Dirt9665, please do your due diligence. You have great choices and you should make the selection that makes most sense to you and your family.
All, been following this thread for daughter, we are still deciding between Purdue and UMD. Visting both this week. We are OOO. Any final nuhhets to help with decision
Open house type event for entire university on April 26
Also at Maryland, when kids change their minds about CS, many switch to Information Science major (said to be fastest growing major ). https://ischool.umd.edu
Compare retention of CS students and adjacent majors.
