First off Ga Tech is going to be as much a reach as all the others you have listed for AE from OOS. It was ~12% acceptance rate to AE from OOS for GT last year. UT-A is probably pretty similar for OOS for engineering. I would guess the least reach on your pending list would be Purdue as long as you applied EA as they usually fill engineering during EA.
First question is do you have any financial constraints, as even with your scholarship you will be paying ~$50K per year for some of the schools on your list?
All of the schools on your list have very good engineer programs. The question will be do you feel like one of the other schools you get accepted to will give you more than UMN that is worth the extra cost? You really need to visit and get a feel for the school itself. Also one of the “advantages” of going to a higher ranked school is the job opportunities is can provide after graduation. Since you already have a job after school, not sure that maters as much.
Now for a biased opinion from someone who’s son just looked at many of theses schools for engineering last year, I would say (no cost consideration):
GT
Purdue
UMich
UIUC
UBC (could be higher depends on if you really want Aero or not)
Now honestly, since you are going to in the Air Force I would strongly consider going to UMN and saving the money. Now if you just don’t really like UMN then don’t go somewhere you will be unhappy.
OSU is trying to increase the mix of OOS students. Did they happen to offer aid to bring tuition down to in-state level?
Out of state tuition at Florida schools is generally pretty low if you’re looking for more economical alternatives to UMN.
Top pick? All of those are such great schools, differentiating between them is like splitting hairs. Anecdotally, Purdue has been known for a long time as a great aero program.
For aerospace I would say Purdue, the cradle of astronauts. NASA recruits heavily and you can get your pilot license (they have the second busiest airport in the state). I’m also biased as my D is a sophomore there and has had the best experiences.
That said, I would wait until you have all your acceptances on the table and all the aid.
@racereer thank you for your comments. I have looked at the Aero classes at UMN and it does not feel very strong and challenging compared to UIUC. In my junior/senior year at school I took some Aerospace classes at local community college.
Cost is definitely a consideration; hence my parents are pushing for UMN my home college. I have always tried to push my limits when it came to education so I am going to reach out to the professors at UMN and UIUC before decision day to make the right decision. I know I will be so demotivated if the course work or research opportunity is not challenging.
I don’t think UIUC will give me any substantial funds based on what i am reading elsewhere.
I agree GT is a reach. I applied EA to all these colleges on my list. UMich comes out next week … Fingers Crossed
@OhiBro thank for taking the time to comment. I have received no financial aid from OSU. I read on CC that in-state accpeted students at OSU have already received aid/merit awards.
With regards to your comment on - Did they happen to offer aid to bring tuition down to in-state level?. Not yet but do colleges negotiate on tuition cost? Has it happened before and at what stage should I call the college to talk about cost?
I am trying my best to make getting a college degree financially most viable and less burdensome for my parents. At the same time I also don’t want to compromise too much on the quality of the program. Looking for a overall good ROI
@MindnHand if you are really not feeling UMN and your parents are ok with with the cost then look at your other options. You did get a scholarship. Just realize that other options you are looking at are not equal cost wise. I know you are excited about UMich EA decision next week but is it financially feasible? Even after your scholarship it will be over $50k per year. Don’t plan on financial aid from any of the OOS public schools.
You said your parents are steering you towards UMN. Have you had the conversation with them about what they can pay? GT, Purdue, and UIUC are all ~20K or more cheaper the UMich per year, with Purdue being the least expensive on your list.
You’ve already been accepted to solid programs, so that’s a great start.
Having taken my D through engineering selection not long ago, I’d put in a top tier:
GA Tech
Purdue
Michigan
UIUC
All options would probably be on my top 30 engineering school list, but those four are top 10. Berkeley would be at the same level as an engineering school, but not Aero-specific.
@racereer my parents will probably only pay for room and board and some exp. So yes i will be very happy with GT or Purdue if i get. UMN is definitely the cheapest of all options.
If i commit to AF and take their scholarship, I will not be able to make a big paycheck for upto a few years till I complete my contract with AF. So that means I have to be careful with any student loan if I need to take to fit the bill for a big name.