Is UC San Diego worth the extra cost over Ohio State?

UC San Diego has an excellent computer science reputation and stronger day-to-day access to the San Diego and Southern California tech ecosystem, but Ohio State can lead to the same kinds of software engineering outcomes when you use its resources well.

UCSD’s main advantage is location and concentration of nearby technology, research, biotech, and defense employers. Its computer science program is particularly well regarded, and being in Southern California can make networking, academic-year internships, and research connections more convenient. That advantage matters most if you are drawn to areas such as AI research, systems, biotech computing, or startups and can pay much of the difference without substantial borrowing.

Ohio State has a large, established computer science program, extensive alumni reach, research opportunities, and access to employers in Columbus and beyond. For software recruiting, your internships, projects, technical interview preparation, coursework, and networking will matter far more than the difference between these two school names. Columbus also has a growing technology presence, while national employers recruit from Ohio State.

Choose UCSD only if your family can cover most of the added cost or its specific research, location, and campus environment are important enough to justify the financial tradeoff. Otherwise, Ohio State is the financially smarter CS choice.