So, I did the whole “best colleges” thing on here, but I kept on getting schools that had not-so-good reviews. I just want to know some schools that are actually really good with chemical engineering. I want to go somewhere that isn’t too much of a reach (I’m poor as shit like everyone else) so I’ll put a few of my stats on here.
Goes to Community College full time (since I was a sophomore, I’m a junior now)
4.0
31 ACT
Works as Tutor
Not sure what else I should put, I have a previous thread about what would be considered “safe” for me. Anywho, could you tell me a few that aren’t too out of reach? I know I’m not getting into some Ivy League, so don’t bother with those. I’d also PREFER (not necessary if program is good enough) to be around a city, lots of stuff to do. I don’t really care about the social scene, but I want to be able to do stuff. I’d also like it if my professors actually could do their jobs, which while may seem to be a given, seems to be severely lacking in some of these schools.
I’d also like it if any of you could recommend a site to look at student reviews. I want unbiased, or at least as unbiased as possible.
Some Schools I’ve Looked At:
Hampton University
Stevens Institute of Tech
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
If you are instate for Ohio then check out U of Akron as a safety. It has an excellent Chemical Engineering Dept. especially having to deal with polymers.
Unfortunately Google isn’t infallible. U Dayton also has Chem E and a close link to the Air Force Research Labs for internships. U Delaware is a Chem E powerhouse (works closely with Dupont) and used to offer good merit aid. There are also some options here: http://automaticfulltuition.yolasite.com/
Typically the most well known engineering schools are the larger schools and the Big 10 schools have some excellent choices. For quality of program a match/reach might be the University of Minnesota, it’s considered one of the top schools in the country for Chem E. Of course apply to Ohio State. Both the University of Cincinnati and the University of Toledo in Ohio have mandatory coop programs. Coops are great for getting greatly needed work experience and helping to pay for college. Most other schools will have coop opportunities available but it will be up to you to be proactive in working with their Professional Practice office or whatever it might be called. For aid check out the University of Alabama, or the University of Alabama Huntsville. You would likely find some pretty good guaranteed merit aid for someone with your stats. Those you mentioned would be fine as well. Good luck.
Check the net price calculators of your in-state Ohio publics with chemical engineering to see if they are affordable:
Cleveland State University
Miami University
Ohio University
The Ohio State University
The University of Akron
The University of Toledo
University of Cincinnati
Youngstown State University
Alabama - Huntsville (full tuition)
Tuskegee (full ride)
Howard (full ride, first come first served)
Florida A&M (full ride, first come first served)
Prairie View A&M (full ride)
Retrying the ACT or trying the SAT for a higher score can get some more scholarships:
Alabama - Tuscaloosa (full tuition + $2,500 with 32 ACT or 1400 SAT CR+M)
Louisiana Tech (full ride with 32 ACT or 1400 SAT CR+M)
Most any ABET accredited STEM university that offers ChE will be reputable and rigorous. Keep in mind that 1) ChE is a field that has multiple elements; biotech, chemicals, manufacturing operations, materials etc. 2) the Ivy League schools are not leaders in ChE. Some, such as Cornell are very good. U of Pennsylvania is great for Materials Science. Columbia is good for biotech applications. But most superlative engineering programs are found at state universities. Of the schools you mentioned, I like Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Lake Jr. and I toured it an came away impressed. I am not familiar with the ChE Department at Hampton. Ask the Hampton faculty or career office about co-ops and alumni employment. Also check the research projects of the ChE faculty at Hampton to determine if their specialties interest you. Since you are an Ohio resident, please do not overlook U of Akron, U of Cincinnati, Miami U, Ohio U and of course OSU.
If you prefer a small (or smaller) college, then investigate Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Illinois Institute of Technology and Clarkson University. There are excellent small public programs as well, particularly South Dakota School of Mines & Technology and the Colorado School of Mines. Neither may offer you substantial financial aid but tuition at SD Mines is very reasonable to begin with. I second the recommendation of Alabama-Tuscaloosa, a school that is generous to students with good scores and grades.