I am a senior in high school who plans on majoring in Mechanical Engineering next year, but have not decided where at yet. I am deciding between Purdue, Georgia Tech, Carnegie Mellon and the University of Illinois. Cost wise, Purdue is $8,000 cheaper than Georgia Tech and the University of Illinois because I got the Presidential Scholarship ($40,000 over 4 years). I have also been accepted into Honors Program at Purdue, but have also gotten into the Global Challenges Program at Georgia Tech. However, Georgia Tech, the University of Illinois, and Carnegie Mellon have not offered me any scholarships. Carnegie Mellon would be the most expensive, followed by Georgia Tech and University of Illinois, and Purdue would be the cheapest.
I understand that there is not much difference between the top Engineering programs, but I believe that Atlanta and Pittsburgh will give me more opportunities than Urbana-Campaign and West Lafayette (though I understand Purdue and Illinois have a lot of recruiting for co-ops and internships) . Is this statement true or not? Also, what are some pros and cons of each university? Finally, if you had to choose from these universities, which would you choose and why? If it helps, I am from the Midwest and plan on going to graduate school after undergraduate studies.
Sorry, if I am asking the same questions as another thread. If I am please direct me to the appropriate thread.
Thank you.