"as well as at least the option to learn newer technologies (AJAX, stuff used in web startups)" Don't bother. Learn to program, don't learn a language or a te

"as well as at least the option to learn newer technologies (AJAX, stuff used in web startups)" Don't bother. Learn to program, don't learn a language or a technology. You can (and should!) do AJAX+RoR on your own. Learn how to think about programming. I loved MIT. But I also went XVI (aero eng) because I've always felt that a direct approach is a mistake. I got to learn about rockets and aircraft and learn how to apply CS by taking all of those classes too.