I am wondering which one is better with all aspects in mind (academics, clubs, events, etc.). I am in-state at UMD. Which is better for Computer Science? And which is more worth it regarding price? UMD is 23k, GA tech is 44k with probably some financial aid.
Your FA for GTech being an OOS student will be loans. It’s not worth $20K difference. UMd is a great school. Go there.
If you don’t like UM-CP, check out UM-BC. Also a perfectly fine option for your major.
@ErinsDad Don’t they also require the CSS, which provides scholarships and grants? So it wouldn’t be all loans
The CSS/Profile does not provide scholarships and grants. It merely collects data about your family’s finances, and then the financial aid office at the college/university determines whether or not you qualify for need-based aid based on those figures. Most families find that the CSS/Profile results indicate that they can pay more than the FAFSA results indicate.
If you are a US applicant, you can run the Net Price Calculator at the each university’s website, and see whether or not you are likely to qualify for any aid.
bump!
@Prodigee, wow, for me, there really is no contest. University of Maryland, hands down. I know, it’s hard to “see” you own state school clearly, but…ok, so, to begin with, have you seen this article?
http://socialmatchbox.com/wp/2014/09/12/university-of-maryland-computer-science-alum-and-oculus-ceo-donates-31-million-to-university-of-maryland-computer-science-department/
Ok, now let’s look at your questions re “academics, clubs, events”
First off, what aspect of CompSci interests you academically? Do you have any potential interest in cybersecurity? If so, are you aware that Maryland is the first school in the nation to offer a living-learning program for cybersecurity? http://www.aces.umd.edu/ http://www.honors.umd.edu/ACES-facts.pdf
And given the proximity to the nation’s capitol, the opportunities for internships in cybersecurity in the government sector clearly give students that attend Maryland the local advantage…
Clubs? There are over 800 available at the University of Maryland. Would you like specifics? (I can give you a link to the list if you want)
Events? You need to define what kind of events you are looking for. Celebrities? Jim Gaffigan and Kevin Hart (comedians) just performed as did Bill Nye (the Science Guy), the Dalai Lama spoke recently…there were some “big name” dj’s and musicians that I’ve never heard of because, frankly, I’m too old, haha…but these are just off the top of my head that I’ve seen advertised recently…I’m sure there are many more that as a parent I haven’t paid attention to… Or are you referring to professional lectures? Most departments have their own calendar of events for upcoming professional lectures/career building opportunities.
@maryversity very interesting. for me, academics and the strength of the degree matters the most, since thats what I’m paying for essentially. I just want a CS program that basically assures me that a top tech company (Google, Amazon, Microsoft) is attainable. Also, internships matter a lot. I guess return on investment is what I’m talking about.
Gotcha. Umm, you do know that one of Google’s founders, Sergei Brin, is a Maryland alum, right…?
@maryversity haha yes i know. I just thought that GT has more companies wanting its graduates. But how would you say UMD is for getting a job in CS right after graduation, or before graduation 
?
@Prodigee ^Just as good, if not better with its location near D.C.
I’m a current CS major at UMD.
@Prodigee, Check out this article about UMD and cybersecurity
http://www.umdrightnow.umd.edu/news/umd-partners-mitre-cybersecurity-research-and-development-center
Ok, so let’s talk ability to get internships, networking…
FYI, CompSci falls under the department of Computer, Math and Natural Science at Maryland (CMNS). Now, there is a really, really cool 3-year honors program that you can apply to after your first semester freshman year, called QUEST. It is only open to engineering, business and CMNS students (thus, you are eligible!). Basically what it does is it teaches you how problem-solve in teams by taking advantage of each other’s skill sets. Businesses go nuts when they see you are trained in this kind of “systems management” skill. You learn these skills for the first two years and in the third year of the program, you are paired with company that gives you an actual problem they are having, and they challenge you to find a solution for them. So, while it’s not an internship per se, it’s a very similar opportunity to network and show off skills to a real employer (actually, this is kind of better because sometimes interns just do scut work whereas this is an actual challenge and opportunity to shine/show your stuff). Many students do get offers or leads for jobs from this. http://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/programs/undergraduate-programs/academics/fellows-special-programs/quest/what-quest
There is also a program called Hinman CEO’s, which is open to all majors, which teaches about entrepreneurship. It’s a 2 year living-learning program for upper classmen and they often have “private” meetings with representatives from big companies like Google, Amazon, etc. This is the same program that Kevin Plank, CEO of Under Armor, participated in when he went to Maryland…
oops forgot to give you link for Hinman http://www.hinmanceos.umd.edu/
@maryversity thanks so much! That clears up my doubt on UMD’s opportunities. Thats just awesome.
Hi @jibler! I was hoping you might chime in! You are def the better person to speak about CS!
I’m only a freshman, but I, as well as a number of my friends (freshmen, sophomores, upperclassmen) have received internships. The opportunities are there if you have the skills and work toward them.
& hi @maryversity!
@jibler how does getting internships at UMD work? Do you just go to college fairs? or do you search them up? And how is the competition to get them
There are two big college fairs. I’ll be honest, it’s tough as a freshman because many companies are looking to hire those with more experience or simply have positions strictly for upperclassmen. However, there are some looking for strictly freshmen and sophomores, as well. The point, though, is to do well in your classes and learn as much as possible so you can impress the companies.
Visit the career center. Read emails from the department - they detail many companies looking for interest. See what’s going on around campus, because it seems like there’s always some company-sponsored event going on each and every day. Search up online, join computer science related clubs, and join special programs. Network!
I am 100% confident UMD will present many opportunities for me… I just have to gain confidence in myself because the classes are tough and I still have a lot to learn.