UMich [OOS] vs UCSB [in-state] for CS?

Mystics
Sun, 23 Mar 2025 09:09:37 +0000

If It’s between UCSB v UMich, I would:

First find out job placement and percentage as well as location and place of employment along with ROI.

But since that’s not all the variables, I would consider all the factors before making a decision, ranking what’s more important with a higher point value.

For example UMich for prestige, top 10 CS department vs UCSB top 30; School pride and athletics off the charts compared to UCSB (none). School history. A strong alumni network. An opportunity to live and experience another part of the country and to go away to college. To meet new people with a very different background and likely culture. To experience an actual winter and to live in a small college town of Ann Arbor.

However UCSB has UMich beat in terms of cost, likely $40,000 less a year, not including $500 airfare. That’s $160,000+ for four years. Horribly cold weather compared to Santa Barbara weather probably the best in the world. Beach, sun, water at UCSB. So close to Isla Vista, two hours from LA, Orange County. While Michigan is near Detroit. West Coast vs Midwest. Also where do you want to live? Although UMich is national and UCSB more So. Cal, presumably there’s a stronger socal network with UCSB. Also I hear/read the CS Department is smaller at Santa Barbara but a close knit group. 600 students at UCSB v 3400 at UMich.

If I were you, I would consider ALL the variables and determine if you can afford the cost. If you can and prestige matters more than anything along with the oppto go to a first class college, go for it. UMich. But, if money is tight, and you care more about the sun and sand rather than sports and school pride, UCSB makes sense.

Good luck in your decision and congratulations on many fine schools to choose from!