Virginia Tech vs. George Mason OOS

[Anonymous]

Posting for a friend who lives in DC so no viable state university option.
Is there a big difference between CS major at GMU and Virginia Tech? Kid got into both but would need to take out at least 15k in loans per year for Virginia Tech but only 5k per year at GMU. This is after including DC TAG that gives you $10K per year towards public universities if you are a DC resident. Is GMU the obvious choice here or am I missing something?

[Anonymous]

The difference in out-of-pocket costs make this a toss-up.

[Anonymous]

VA Tech CS is a strong program, and very selective. Much better regarded than GMU

[Anonymous]

VT probably has a better reputation for CS and overall than George Mason. VT was a safety for my CS child and George Mason didn’t even rate.

[Anonymous]

Is it is worth taking out bigger loans though for Virginia Tech? Can’t you get a good job from either? Family has very little ability to pay. Very low income. Kid went to a rough school but is smart and determined.

[Anonymous]

Both schools have good computer science programs. I’d go for the cheaper option.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is it is worth taking out bigger loans though for Virginia Tech? Can’t you get a good job from either? Family has very little ability to pay. Very low income. Kid went to a rough school but is smart and determined.

If family is very low income, can’t they get financial aid? Also appeal to the financial aid office.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Posting for a friend who lives in DC so no viable state university option.
Is there a big difference between CS major at GMU and Virginia Tech? Kid got into both but would need to take out at least 15k in loans per year for Virginia Tech but only 5k per year at GMU. This is after including DC TAG that gives you $10K per year towards public universities if you are a DC resident. Is GMU the obvious choice here or am I missing something?

Aren't Tech and GMU about the same price? Did the student get merit aid from GMU?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Posting for a friend who lives in DC so no viable state university option.
Is there a big difference between CS major at GMU and Virginia Tech? Kid got into both but would need to take out at least 15k in loans per year for Virginia Tech but only 5k per year at GMU. This is after including DC TAG that gives you $10K per year towards public universities if you are a DC resident. Is GMU the obvious choice here or am I missing something?

Aren't Tech and GMU about the same price? Did the student get merit aid from GMU?

Seems to have gotten a few more grants from GMU including some merit aid. I’m guessing financial aid is limited for this kid because he is not instate. He did get some but family is not in a position to pay anything especially now and he will have to cover his portion through loans.

[Anonymous]

GMU has excellent connections for jobs post college. VT is in the middle of nowhere but GMU is in the middle of job opportunities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:VT probably has a better reputation for CS and overall than George Mason. VT was a safety for my CS child and George Mason didn’t even rate.

Well aren’t you special?

[Anonymous]

VT and GMU kids can both get jobs in tech in Arlington and the Dulles Tech Corridor i.e. Reston

I don't know if VT is worth $40k in loans.

VT has more national recognition, but frankly its not all that much.

Also possibly they could drive to GMU from DC in their junior/senior years if they don't have as many requirements left.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:GMU has excellent connections for jobs post college. VT is in the middle of nowhere but GMU is in the middle of job opportunities.

+1 VT has a great reputation but so does GMU, even if more regional. One GMU advantage is likely more opportunities for part-time jobs/internships in CS during the school year. Given the $$ concerns, I'd 100% recommend GMU.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:VT probably has a better reputation for CS and overall than George Mason. VT was a safety for my CS child and George Mason didn’t even rate.

Wow, nice brag. You sound insufferable.

[Anonymous]

https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/news/2018/12/11/gmu-expanding-arlington-campus-thanks-amazon-hq2.html