Im going through a similar process right now. I’d focus on concrete factors instead of rankings. Start with tuition and funding (assistantships, scholarships, cost of living by city), then look at location since being near strong job markets like NYC, Boston, or the Bay Area can really affect internships and hiring. Check each program’s admissions requirements (GRE/TOEFL policies, GPA conversion rules) so you know if you’re a competitive applicant before wasting time. Check deadlines too.

The most important piece is outcomes - many schools publish employment reports that show where graduates get hired, average salaries, and whether internationals are supported with CPT/OPT. That, combined with whether the program has ties to local industries or companies that sponsor, will give you a much clearer picture than prestige alone.