I am trying to decide which college to go to for an undergraduate degree, and I want to look good for top-notch computer science graduate schools, namely the ivy-leagues. I know illinois is ranked a lot higher than Purdue is for computer science, but I would have in-state tuition with Purdue. University of illinois would cost a lotttt if I went there. But Purdue would basically be free for me after financial aid, grants, and scholarships. So, with graduate school in mind, does the school I go to really matter? Would going to Illinois give me an edge over Purdue? I mean I know it’s how well I do as an undergraduate, but what if I did really good at any school I went to. Would Illinois give me an edge, or for that matter would a really good school for computer science give me an edge over Purdue in graduate admissions?
Although national reputation is certainly meaningful when it comes to graduate programs, it is not the best way for you, as a student, to approach your graduate career. Instead, I recommend you examine Google Scholar for researchers in computer science who may be publishing papers in areas that interest you. I mean SPECIFIC areas. A graduate degree will be excruciating to complete if you don’t get in on a research program in which you enjoy participating. If you can find professors at Purdue or IL who are publishing research in these areas, send them an email… but don’t limit yourself to these institutions. Tell ‘em you like their stuff. Ask the follow-up questions. Tell them you’re a potential student and you’d like to meet them next time you’re in the area… and then go!
From there, these professors and potential advisors may be the ones who initiate a conversation regarding a teaching or research assistantship. These allow you to get paid for doing what you already want to be doing: getting a graduate degree. These assistantships typically come with tuition waivers, making your cost concerns moot.
BOTTOM LINE: Only mediocre students pay for graduate programs in engineering and the sciences.