PhD at UW Madison or Northeastern?

Since both schools are reputable, I think knowing the curriculum you plan to study is an important part of the discussion. NEU is certainly surrounded by more population and a large number of ivies and universities ... Do you need to collaborate?

Computer Science is my plan. I don't know if I need to collaborate or not, but from what I know that's not too common. Location is obv a huge plus for me for NEU. However Wisconsin might be better reputation wise.

Both reputable imo. People overlook things like location, weather, diversity in culture, etc. Make sure the place is somewhere you can enjoy for the next ~5 years.

Can’t speak to UW. NEU tech programs are very well regarded in the area, and they have a vast network of local companies for placing co-ops and such. It’s fun to live in Boston, go to the hockey games etc. But it’s also expensive to live in Boston though.

Madison has a good CS program.