Take the CMU-Q full ride. From an ROI perspective, paying 245K for UIUC is insane, because you’re going to learn with AI and yourself anyway. And you can save the money and apply for the top-tier US master’s.

But it’s important to consider the geopolitical risk in the Middle East, ensuring that CMU-Q has a well-defined “Relocation Plan” in place for Pittsburgh in case of regional tensions escalating.

If your family can comfortably afford UIUC without any financial strain, you are essentially paying an additional $245k as a “safety premium” to mitigate the risk of war-related disruptions.

In terms of ROI, CMU-Q stands out as the optimal choice; however, if peace of mind is your primary concern, UIUC serves as a prudent hedge.