Earlier this year I applied to Columbia University, University of Florida and Florida Atlantic University for the purpose of pursuing a MS in Computer Science starting in the Fall. As of today I have received two acceptance letters from UF and FAU. After applying to these schools, I came to the realization that the sheer cost of going to Columbia was really prohibitive so I will be deciding between UF an FAU. (Regardless of whether I'm eventually accepted to Columbia or not.) Since UF is a better known school and also has a more respected program my decision is really already made. The only regret I'll have is that FAU's cirricullum is more in line with my interests (Internet Engineering) but it is not a strong enough factor to sway my decision so really there will be no regrets. Now I just have to finish off my BS degree in which I take my last class this summer.
I took two courses at Columbia then dropped out because the cost was too much. And I learned that there were cheaper alternatives.
I agree with you. I have no doubt that Columbia's DL classes are top notch; however, at about $3500 per class that's more than half the price than the entire MS degree at the University of Florida. As a mid-career type person, I couldn't justify the cost even if my ego would have liked the idea of attending an Ivy League school.
