<p>So I want to go to grad school for aerospace engineering, and my main option is Wichita State because in-state tuition is so cheap. I did my undergrad at Purdue, but can't really afford to go out of state again.</p>
<p>I was wondering if the program is nationally respected. Growing up in Kansas, I always heard it was solid, but I am not sure if employers outside Wichita know about it. I really don't want to work in Kansas after I graduate.</p>
<p>Assuming I can get a solid GPA, will a masters degree from WSU allow me to work for top-tier companies like Lockheed, Northrop, etc.</p>
<p>Also, does it look bad going from a top-tier undergrad institute to a program that isn't nearly as strong?</p>
<p>Well before I go any further, I would let you know that if your Masters is thesis-based, you will likely get funding at a larger research institution before too long after starting, which would mean that there is no money coming out of your pocket, assuming your grades are high enough.</p>
<p>I’m not sure if I’ll do a thesis, project, or a comprehensive exam that some schools offer. I also don’t want to risk not getting funding and having to take out a large loan. I managed undergrad with scholarships/work/family help, but am not expecting much help for grad school.</p>
<p>I’ve pretty much narrowed it down to Wichita State or an entry-level aero position, but I would prefer to go to grad school.</p>
<p>^ As a grad student, Stanford is free. You are required to have funding in order to do graduate work there (except if you are part time and your company is funding you.)</p>
<p>I think it’s worth a try if you are going to put the effort in to grad school. Worst they can say is no. If they say yes, you’re guaranteed at getting funding so it’s not like they will say yes but you can’t afford it.</p>
<p>The only problem with that logic (which I generally agree with) is that if he is REALLY hurting for cash, throwing away $100+ on the application fee may be a bit foolhardy if he doesn’t at least have a shot at getting in.</p>
<p>In that case, I’d wait until he gets hired by a company (perhaps one that does aerospace in Wichita) and then apply as a part time student / full time employee. That employer in Wichita might pay for the cost of his education, including the $100 application.</p>
<p>That is true, though I find it unlikely that the “employer in Wichita” would pay for a school so far away. Some companies that I believe you are familiar with are more lenient than others. Most of the companies that I interviewed with or worked for only supported regional engineering schools or schools that they had deals with.</p>
<p>My GPA is solid (3.45), and my GRE’s are good, but I doubt I could get into Stanford (not much work/research that is related to aerospace). I’m also pretty sure that application deadlines are past. I’ve already been accepted to WSU, so I’m 99% sure I’m either going to end up there or get an entry level job.</p>
<p>Well then the choice is go to WSU, pay for it and hope for an assistantship (if you take the thesis route), or you go get an entry-level job and use that as a means to get a Masters in a year or two on the company’s dime. The only caveat is that occasionally the company will attach a stipulation that you owe them a little bit of guaranteed employment if you use their money for your graduate degree.</p>
<p>The issue is that even with a great GPA, an M.S. is not always funded right away, though it almost always is if you give it a couple months (assuming you are doing thesis). The issue arises when he says he may do non-thesis, which is never funded unless you are a TA, and the fact that he already missed the deadline for applying to schools besides WSU.</p>