Is Columbia University better than UMass Amherst for an MS in computer science?

I have to choose between an unfunded MS in Electrical Engineering at University of Michigan and an unfunded PhD at Columbia University. I may get funding at Columbia once I go there (no guarantee). Which would be a better option? My interest is Computer Vision.

• My interest is in Computer Vision and prof with similar interest had interviewed me at Columbia. But there is no financial support as of now and there is no guarantee also. My final aim is to do PhD and join some university/institution as a faculty. If I go to U Mich, how easy will it be to get PhD position in same area after my MS?

• Answer:

  If you don't get funded, don't go. Especially to NYC. If you start your career by letting people abuse you, things will go south. Also, be aware that chances of getting tenure today are slim to none. Please please don't do a PHD under the assumption that you'll be that lucky. An MSc in vision, however, especially in a cheaper place like MI and if funded, sounds like a good investment.