CMU MSR (unfunded) Vs. UWaterloo Mechatronics (funded)

Hi all,

Canadian student here. Got an offer to the CMU master’s in robotics and Waterloo MASc in mechatronics. The funding situation in America is bad and many MSR students are unfunded, which was less common in years past. In the worst case, I’d have to pay the full 104k USD tuition at CMU + living. At Waterloo on the other hand, my funding package would even cover most of my rent as well (alongside full tuition). Waterloo is great, but CMU is CMU! Wanted to hear this sub’s thoughts. Goals:

1. Not sure if I want to do a PhD program (hence, masters), but CMU MSR grads go to Stanford, MIT, or even just stay at CMU. haven’t seen many, if any Waterloo grads in the same places.

2. Will likely aim to bounce around robotics startups and r&d roles at least for 1-2 years post master’s before doing a PhD (if at all). Boston Dynamics for example, is a dream company.

Moreover, the lab I’d be in at Waterloo is on the new side, which has pros and cons but the lack of PhD students for mentorship and advisory can be a downside. That being said my research fit with the lab is pretty solid. At CMU I’d also be likely to do research in an area of interest

Let me know your thoughts! Waterloo keeps a lot of degrees of freedom open, allowing me to travel more (including fly myself to major robotics conferences) with little to no financial pressure. But many people are of the opinion that CMU is big time and I should at least consider the financial risk.