Just chirping in to say this is correct. Being involved in an activity you enjoy led by a respected professional will be very enjoyable and will automatically instantly introduce you to a sizeable friend group. A big disappointment to some freshmen is that they don’t connect with a friend group until the 2nd semester or later. Being in the band will put you in a space to make good friends immediately. That will make you more comfortable and happier. Being in a happier state of mind might make you a better student in the early going.
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The college experience and fit are very important, but are also luxuries. I wouldn’t choose the cheapest school if you’ll hate your time there, but you won’t find a significant financial return by spending a lot more for a full pay OOS or private school.
The data below is from College Scorecard. It’s not without flaws. It’s restricted to students that received federally subsidized loans or grants. That said, it’s a reasonable data set to get a baseline of median salaries at 2 years out.
Also, you don’t have to do AE to work in Aerospace. In fact, if you want to parlay your robotics experience, you might want to do ME with a mechatronics concentration. My son did that and then a fluids MS in ME. He gets to do complex fluids stuff now, but still do mechatronics.
Case $63K
CPP $64K
Purdue $63K
SJSU $68K
ASU $63K
UCLA $60K
Davis $61K
UIUC $68K
UW $68K
CSLB $60K
AZ $67K
USC $75K
Cal Poly $76K
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And a 3.7 GPA + 35 ACT should get you the President’s scholarship at ASU.
See ASU First-year Student Scholarship Estimator | ASU Scholarships
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In terms of fit and making sure you won’t “hate your time” you should read the following article that details an effort by Cal Poly to identify the reasons for their high attrition rates and low graduation rates.
“What breaks my heart is the feeling that Cal Poly doesn’t care about a student”
and
“Yeah, Cal Poly just really isn’t for me. I grew up in a really diverse area. Cal Poly is the whitest place on earth. I really need to be back among not all white people.”
I have no idea if these views are common or shared but as a self described “Indian Male” this may be a consideration regarding fit.
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College Navigator - California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo says:
- 54% White
- 18% Hispanic / Latino
- 13% Asian
- 8% Two or More
- 1% Black
While the percentage of White students at CPSLO is much lower than at some forum favorites like Alabama (77%), it is higher than at other California public universities and probably most California high schools. So while “whitest place on earth” is an obvious exaggeration, it may be relatively so for many students from California.
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SDSU, CSULB and the other Cal Poly (Pomona) are all worth an ap.
Apply broadly and good luck
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Since you’re local, this SJSU Marching Band performance might be of interest: SJSU Spartan Marching Band Concert - Music and Dance Events
Videos here, as well: Marching Band | Craig S. McKenzie
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