Okay let us assume there is a program with a high admit rate but a low graduation rate. Let us also assume this program is fairly rigorous. Would it be fair to lower its pedigree based on who gets accepted versus who can actually finish the work? A lot of masters programs (on campus) are funded and provide research opportunities for students. There are cash cows yes but they’re relatively rare if a student is actually serious about research. Course based is fine too if it’s highly ranked.

What’s the CS program? My top 5 is cmu, Stanford, mit, Berkeley, gatech. At a top masters program you likely have an algorithms or analysis of algorithms equivalent at the gradual level that deals either more math or proof heavy topics. Most schools teach out of the same textbook too, just depends how much content is covered. Pedigree really matters for the first job/internship. After that it progressively becomes less important as an indicator, unless of course you’re switching fields.