If you have to choose between Computer Science in Purdue University and Electrical Engineering in Minnesota Twin-Cities, which one do you choose?

The short answer is that it depends. I'll assume you've realized this already, and you're hoping to discover a firsthand perspective. I wish I could more completely answer your question, but I am only familiar with Purdue’s engineering program. I am not familiar with Minnesota’s engineering program. I chose to answer your question anyways, since the waffling between computer science and electrical engineering hits close to home. Worth mentioning is that I’m an Indiana native, so Purdue was the least expensive option. Nowadays, that might matter more than the rest of this answer. If you've researched Purdue’s engineering program, you should be familiar with the basic structure: introductory, discipline-independent courses for all engineers during the first year. I went into the first year undecided. I thought that computer science was a better fit, but I felt it was important to start down the more “flexible” path (undecided engineers seemed to have more options than decided computer science students). When the first year was over, I decided to study computer engineering. At Purdue, electrical and computer engineering are similar (the same program, really) until junior and senior year. Computer engineering is something of a blend between computer science and electrical engineering; I couldn't commit to a degree that didn't include some aspect of software engineering. I graduated from Purdue with a bachelor of engineering in computer engineering in 2010. I required 9 semesters in order to complete my degree. Many of my peers were able to complete their degree in 8 semesters; some required fewer, and others required more. I accomplished more than I ever imagined I could during this time. My time at Purdue provided me with an opportunity to see things differently. Purdue taught me to engineer (think--mostly). I think that most engineering students maintain some personal resistance toward their program. I nearly quit on multiple occasions. In fact, I sandbagged the start of my junior year so that I could focus on transferring into Purdue’s computer science program. I wasn't sure what I was looking for, but I was convinced that an engineering tract was not a good fit anymore. As it turns out, it’s difficult to “transfer” from computer engineering to computer science after the first year; you’re effectively starting over (only basic prerequisite credits transfer). I wasn't willing to disregard the engineering credits I earned, so I kept going. I decided to own my degree and finish what I started. My story is not unique. I expect that any undergraduate engineer (undergraduate student, really) has gone through something similar. It might sound cliche, but there's more to the degree than the coursework, labs, reports, and exams. The goal of any academic institution should be to prepare you for what’s next. This is difficult when the future applications of your degree are dynamic/evolving. This, in my opinion, is the most important aspect of Purdue's engineering program: it prepares you to be an engineer in the real world.

It matters somewhat upon your situation and what is most important to you. If you're considered in-state either in Indiana or Minnesota, and cost is very important, just go with the in-state option. If you care a bit more about prestige, I would go with the EE program at Purdue. It's held in pretty high regard and can be used as a stepping stone into a solid career or graduate school. CS is a solid choice, too, but CS vs EE depends on what you're more interested in. Overall: Purdue University What it lacks in being as fun compared to Minneapolis, it makes up for in being a much higher-quality and more prestigious school.

These are very different degrees and cities. I think it's best you speak to academic advisors, professors and admissions staff in these schools and research the life and activities in these places yourself. However, if you want an opinion, in short purdue has the better reputation in both CS and EE and less distracting location to study for the more serious person. It is incredibly difficult however. you take math classes with mathematicians alongside the best coming from around the world. the math classes here are notorious for difficulty with the average passing mark at about 45% in raw score terms. Purdue makes sure there are no grade inflation in these programs by making the classes consistently as difficult as when they were first tought in the past. It is one of few schools to maintain the same grade distribution generation after generation. So if you are unwilling to put that kind of effort here it is not a place for you. Twin cities is also more distracting as a bigger city and has less reputation for its program. However, it may give the hustler more opportunities to go out and find a job in the local community. That said, purdue has a strong cooperative, internship, and career fairs on campus where global and regional firms attend. Most importantly, it depends on you. If you want to choose a program and are serious, you will learn as much as you want to. The school can only help drive you with exciting opportunities and scary deadlines and workloads! I chose Purdue because it was also a public school and I am a local resident  benefiting from a substantial discount which I am unsure if that helps aid your decision. Based on my personal preferences, I am happier here than anywhere else at this moment. If your aim to go to a bigger city than you can see Purdue and it's West Lafayyette is a stepping stone. However, if you are impatient for the larger city and it's atmosphere then you will be happier and so much better off there academically for it, given you do not get carried away with distractions. Note that I have not experienced the twin cities so listen to other people's perspectives on it. Lastly, remember to choose the program that fits your interests. I was surprised that a Phd in computer science (CS) responded earlier with a short statement on CS being all about programming. that's only a part of what CS will benefit you. CS will give you all software based classes with few computer architecture let alone computer and electrical engineering (EE). Learning to program is the hallmark of all three programs but their emphasis is on very different but related things. In short EE deals with circuits (think directly applying E&M physics) while CS deals with data and computing. These are completely different topics. What they have in common is you will learn to program and solve difficult math problems in any of these departments. Otherwise nothing is common. The answer fortunately depends on yourself. Ask yourself what is your most important priority and discard the rest since they are normally much less important when you are forced to choose. Good luck!

Choose a branch which you love between CS or Elec. even if you get a low ranked university. You will spend only 2-3 years in your college, but your branch is going to be your life.