[Admissions Advice] Northeastern Khoury MS CS vs Stony Brook MS DS vs UMD MS AI
Admitted to all three, trying to make a final call. Only goal is placement — want a good tech job in the US after graduating, ideally in AI/ML or data engineering.
The three options:
- Northeastern Khoury MS CS (Boston) — 15% scholarship, ~$100k+ all-in, co-op program, large MS cohort (4,000+ students)
- Stony Brook MS DS (Long Island) — ~$83k all-in, joint CS + AMS program, NYC proximity, newer program (launched 2023)
- UMD MS AI (College Park) — ~$85k all-in, administered by Science Academy (not the CS dept), brand new program, evening classes designed for working professionals
I've already spoken to alumni from both Northeastern and Stony Brook and the honest answer from both sides is that the job market is tough regardless of which school you're at right now.
Honestly if you've been through any of these programs or know someone who has, even a single opinion or a perspective I haven't considered would mean the world to me. I'm just a student trying to make the best decision I can.
Is UMD MSAI worth considering despite being brand new and not run by the CS department? Is the Northeastern brand worth the extra cost purely for placement?
Just want an honest opinion. Thanks!
TLDR: Northeastern Khoury MS CS (~$100k+, co-op) vs Stony Brook MS DS (~$83k, NYC-adjacent) vs UMD MS AI (~$85k, DC/NoVA, brand new program). Goal is placement. Which would you pick?