USC vs UIUC for masters in aerospace engineering

Question

UIUC has a great masters program however from what I've heard, the USC name opens more doors and they have a very good alumni network and they hire USC grads often. That's why I'm a little confused. ( I'm aware, the job market for aero students will be very very limited)
Cost wise, I haven't recieved funding unfortunately in either like many people I know. So they will both be pretty expensive, however if someone has a proper breakdown of finances for either, do let me know.

Any and all thoughts are welcome.
Thank you

Annu Priya · Answer

Hi, what's the cost difference for both? If there's not much difference, go for USC. However, if there's any substantial difference between the two, go for UIUC.

Hitesh Vijan Community_Mentor · Answer

Engineering courses from UIUC are ranked amongst top in the world along with Harvard and MIT. Living expenses in Cali will also be very hefty so both quality and reliability wise UIUC seems the best. Anyways it's your call.

Hitesh Vijan Community_Mentor · Answer

Hi refer this and check the rankings.
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-engineering-schools/university-of-illinois-at-urbana-champaign-02055

Niharika Sashidhar · Answer

Tuition wise, lesser difference. Living expense is the major difference

Niharika Sashidhar · Answer

That's true. But won't living around the aerospace industry in cali, add to the advantage? Just a question

Siva Kesava Reddy · Answer

UIUC

Trance Mage · Answer

Aerospace masters is not limited at all.....Tesla, NASA and other big companies hire aerospace engineers, but they hire good engineers......Good aerospace engineers are rare......I believe UIUC is a better option......But it's your call

Trance Mage · Answer

Cali has more job opportunities but you can always relocate. Is just a location advantage worth it to pay so much extra? It's like Chicago is UP and Cali is Maharashtra........You can always shift......And unlike India, in the US each state has its own tax.....The same milk which would cost 20 cents in Chicago will cost 2 dollars in Cali......So take an informed decision

Trance Mage · Answer

This is totally false information. Only CS courses are ranked high up with MIT and Harvard. Not all engineering courses