Cal Poly vs UMich vs UIUC electrical engineering

College Search & Selection
1

So as the title says, I’ve been accepted to Cal Poly, the University of Michigan, and the University of Illinois for electrical engineering.

I’m out of state for all, so cal poly comes out to $35k/year, UIUC is $51k/year, and UMich is $57k/year. My parents are willing to pay for my education, but I still consider it as an important factor.

I like different aspects of each school, so I’m confused about which to pick. I visited all 3 schools but felt I could fit in at each place. Maybe a new perspective on my situation might help me make my decision.

Pros/Cons (personal) for each school:

Cal Poly:(pros) it’s the cheapest; I used to live in CA (now in Texas) so I always thought of going back for college and maybe settling there, the weather is beautiful, and I feel CA has the most job opportunities for electrical engineers.
(cons) there is a lack of research opportunities at cal poly and although it is well reputed in CA I feel it is not as well known nationally.

UIUC: (pros) probably has the best electrical engineering program out of the 3 schools, is a nationally recognized and recruited school. Lots of opportunities for undergrad research and clubs.
(Cons) is in the middle of nowhere, and I’m from Houston so I’m used to a big city; the weather can get cold, but that isn’t as big of a factor; 2nd most expensive.

UMich: great all around engineering program, UMich impressed me the most, I feel I would have the best college experience there since it’s known as one of the best college towns in the nation; first year engineering is general for all students, so I would be able to explore and figure out if electrical engineering is right for me; also nationally recognized and recruited. Also has lots of undergrad research and opportunities.
(Cons) gets very cold, is the most expensive

My thoughts are that if I want to end up in CA eventually, are UIUC and UMich worth the extra cost? Also is cal poly worth giving up all the opportunities at UIUC and UMich, and their national recognition, or am I limiting myself in any way by going to Cal Poly?

Thanks in advance

2

CPSLO is well recruited in California, though apparently not so much elsewhere. Note that it is in a relatively isolated small city, rather than a large metro area.

CPSLO’s career survey is at https://careers.calpoly.edu/search.php . Note that it has a strong pre-professional emphasis; relatively fewer graduates go on to PhD study.

3

this is all about tradeoffs and chances, there isn’t going to be a provably correct answer.

quote there is a lack of research opportunities at cal poly

[/quote]
Research isn’t really that critical to engineers for padding your resume the way it is in the sciences or for premeds (unless you want a PhD). Future engineering employers are impressed by internships. You stand out for internships by getting good grades and by taking part in student projects.

The reason I mentioned tradeoffs is the fact that nationally 1/2 to 2/3rds of all those starting as engineering majors end up dropping. I have no idea what will happen to you. The more you understand what the career is like already, the more willing you are to accept a punishing workload, the greater the odds you make it thru.

On one hand you can look at the extra tuition of the other schools as an insurance premium, assuming you’d prefer one of those over Cal Poly if you were not in engineering (not a sure thing, Cal Poly has solid programs in a lot of areas).

The flip side is you would be a lot closer to the action in Silicon Valley and LA for internships. Employers may be more willing to send someone on a day trip to Cal Poly (and the companies often have alums happy to get back to campus) than they are to spring for a 2 day trip halfway across the country.

So like I said, some things to think thru but no obvious winner from every angle.

4

Cal Poly has the most dominant Silicon Valley presence of the 3 schools, and will provide the most opportunity to land a tech internship/Job right out of college. UIUC will probably get you into the Graduate engineering School you want with a better rate. UMich is the biggest name of all 3 and will bring you the best opportunity if you want to switch out of Engineering.