UofU or USU?

Question

Which college do you think is better: Univeristy of Utah or Utah State Univeristy.
I am debating between of these two for a double major in Computer Science and Computer Engeneering. (which is likely to change but that's where I am right now). Utah State is known for its Engeneering program- so that is a big plus. But they both have their pluses and minuses.

correction- Utah State Univeristy is known for having one of the best engeneering program in Utah. So- better than Univeristy of Utah. Not better than MIT and all the other schools.

Answer 1

As a general rule of thumb, the University of XXXX is a better school than XXXX State University. In many states, (e.g., California, Texas, Minnesota) the difference is great because the University of XXXX is a great school and XXXX State University is not so good. In some states, the difference is real -- but both are good schools (e.g., UNC vs NC State, U of Michigan vs MSU, U of Florida vs FSU).

In Utah, the difference isn't as great. The reason isn't because both schools are good -- but because neither school really stands out as a great university. US News ranks them both as third tier universities. According to Princeton Review's Admissions Statistics pages, neither school is particularly selective.

The best answer to your question is "Go out of state -- but if you have to stay in Utah, U of Utah is marginally better than USU."

As for your comment that Utah State is known for its engineering program -- I'd like to correct you. MIT is known for its engineering program. Cal Tech is known for its engineering program. Berkeley, Stanford, most of the public universities in the Big Ten and Georgia Tech are known for their engineering programs. The most we can say about Utah State's engineering program is that they HAVE an engineering program.