Case Western, Stephens Institute of Tech. or WashU

How would you rank these schools for Computer engineering: Stevens Institute of Technology, Case Western and WashU?.
Finance is not an issue.

I am looking for job placement , research opportunities and a good standard of teaching. Thanks

Those are all excellent schools.

Case has an emphasis on undergraduate research…there is an office that helps match students and professors.
https://case.edu/source/

Case has a coop program https://engineering.case.edu/coop/participating-employers/eecs

Case as the think[box]…a center for innovation and entrepreneurship provides a space for anyone - students, faculty, and alumni and members of the community - to tinker and creatively invent.
http://thinkbox.case.edu/

Many Case students have presented at the Consumer Electronics Show
http://thedaily.case.edu/10-case-western-reserve-university-entrepreneurs-show-ces-2018/

@“Jivy Kemsy Yemsy” I can only tell you that our son has had a fabulous time at Case Western. It turned out to be a great school for him. He applied to all three of these schools. He was admitted to Case and Stevens, but not Wash U. Wash U is exceptional, but its a bit of an outlier in this group. If you have a passion for a broad, liberal arts education then Wash U is for you. It has far more to offer in a broad sense of the sciences and the humanities, but probably not so much in the engineering world. It is far less a “tech” school than either Case or Stevens - so this has social implications. Tech geeks associate in their own unique and wonderful ways. I can definitely say that Case is a very hands on, entrepreneurial school for young engineers. Our son has his name on several patents based upon his work there.

The difference between Case and Stevens is probably more fit than approach. I believe that Stevens has closer connections to NYC and the east coast. Case is well-respected in the Midwest and south, and depending upon your area of interest, many engineering jobs tend to be in those areas. So, I would ask you: what exactly are you looking for? Our son has a job for this summer in a very well respected company. This is not just the university, it was really his efforts in a school that met him where he was/is. It’s all about fit. He simply thrived there. Find the place you thrive and you will do well. Don’t worry about reputation or what is “best”. Go where you think your attitudes, passions, interests, and plans best align. We are so fortunate to have such fine schools in this country, such as these three. Pick the one that YOU would rank first, not the one that others would rank first for you.

@ProudDad26 CWRU and Stevens are two we’ve visited for Mechanical Engineering, and both did a poor job of explaining their engineering programs during the visit (in fact, CWRU seemed to even downplay their STEM programs overall, imo). My understanding is that they both have good programs, so I’m feeling frustrated. I would really appreciate it if you could articulate what your son likes about CWRU for engineering. Also, I think it works like this: you get admitted into CWRU (“OpenDoor”) and take whatever classes you want (in this case, beginning engineering curriculum) and then anyone can declare any major before their fifth semester (so, no qualifying, no enrollment limit?)…? Finally, what is his take on the ThinkBox space? My son looked at it online (wasn’t open when we were there) and thought that the available equipment was nice but not the newest and most advanced in terms of high-tech. I don’t know exactly what he meant but he’s seen higher tech elsewhere. Thank you for any and all input. I think I should be impressed by CWRU’s engineering program but did not come away from the tour knowing why.

ThinkBox. We visited Case for a walkaround, S was admitted but hadn’t decided yet. We visited the ThinkBox. Plenty of 3D printers ranging from numerous “hobby” Ultimakers up to large bed Fortus or Stratasys (I don’t remember the plenty). Also had a large bed laser cutter. Plenty capable there.

Electronics area had a CNC board router but I didn’t tour there that much. If they had a pick and place machine (would be nice) I didn’t see it.

Machine shop divided into woodshop and metal working. Woodshop standard machine fare including a large bed (4x8) CNC router,. Metal shop about 6 Bridgeports and a medium CNC mill. Lathes etc. Also a CNC abrasive waterjet machine to die for.

I don’t know what high tech shop toys you son was looking for, but there is value is using tools that actually will exist when you go into industry and practice as an engineer. (Actually I prefer than my son knows how to use manual mills and such instead of machines that you just push a button and the part comes out, what learning is there in that?)

My son has since committed to CWRU.

Besides having the “machines” in Thinkbox, you have the support and collaboration to launch ideas! I came upon this nice video highlighting Thinkbox. Starts around 01:13.

https://businessjournaldaily.com/thinkbox-for-startups/?hootPostID=a53ea66d860136128e9d778aa0fdbfcd

My S has worked there since freshman year and really enjoys the environment and skills he has developed.

My S goes to Case engineering but doesn’t major in Computer. He seems happy and challenged there. I went to WashU briefly so I’m biased and leaning toward WashU for Computer Engineering.

I’d honestly say WashU would be better for computer engineering. Case’s engineering departments are not that good., , and WashU is a more prestigious school overall!

@superazn69 Can you give evidence? Why do you say they are “not that good”?

Washington U St. Louis offers 3/2 plans with about twenty liberal arts colleges, so many of their engineering students go to a liberal arts college for three years, and Wash U only two years. We were not impressed on our visit, with the Wash U engineering presentation, and crossed it off. (, but for premed or social sciences or fine art, Wash U is a very top school.) Case or Stevens is better for computer engineering and any other engineering major, for teaching, research and job placement.

@Befuddled1to2 what did you decide to do?

WashU won for us. We visited the school and absolutely fell in love with it. It felt like home. There’s also a collaborative spirit in the school. For us, it’s a no brainer. Thanks everyone, for your input. The financial package is phenomenal. We eventually discovered that some other kids had gone, from my son’s school. So we also have first hand information about the school. It’s a great place, for several reasons. My son has registered for his courses and is really excited about going.

Is there any specific things that won you over?

@ProudDad26 my son is filling out his applications now. Stevens is still on his list. Although he hasn’t chosen a “first”, he’s leaning toward VATech. I’m concerned about the admissions process this year at that school so it’s good to have other choices.