rubybeth: I can't work because I'm not a citizen or resident of the US, unless I find an internship approved by the school I think that's the only way, I'll look into the job growth, thank you :)
fattest_foot: I am currently employed in Mexico (I'm mexican, duh) of course the wages here are much less of those in the US, I think if I work for the next two years I'd be able to afford school in the US, but I'd be left with no savings, and probably not debt either
Jack: My SO lives in CA and they own a home so I'd save up a lot if I don't have to pay rent, specially CA rents that don't go below $1K, so any other place is out of the question :)
What is the program? Engineering management for all schools, or just UCI?
This may be an unpopular opinion, but IMO, a school that is highly ranked in your field will open a lot of doors.
Personal anecdote, I went to CSU Long Beach. They have a very good program in my field. I was hired by several institutions because they knew the caliber of people coming out of that program - they didn't have to wonder about what I learned, my qualifications, abilities, etc. Literally all they saw was that I went to CSULB, and I was hired. :)
I could do Msc Computer Science in CSUSB but I'm dreading taking technical classes again, I'd much more prefer to add in more businessy classes to complement my programming skills and pursue software project leader/admin jobs later on.
I'd probably go for MBA if the school doesn't have a Technology Management-related graduate degree.
Another perk about Irvine is the program lasts one year, whereas CSU programs are two years.