Choosing between UMN and UW Madison for ChemE

Okay guys, here’s my dilemma (by the way, I previously posted another thread about choosing between Purdue and UW, but that was before I visited Minnesota).

I’ve visited both schools, and have narrowed my decision down to these two. I love the vibe at UMN more than at UW, but I know that nationally, UW is the better and more well-known school, even though they are both amazing for ChemE. However, I don’t know if that justifies me going there instead of UMN if I’m not positive I’ll enjoy my experience there. Does anyone have any input on this?

Chem engineering at either will be tough and rewarding. If you are cost neutral go to u Minnesota. But I love Madison so it’s hard for me to say this. Lol.

My S20 is exploring all the top Chem Eng programs but for some reason we cannot get him to consider either Minnesota or UW Madison. He has other cold climate schools on his list, so it isn’t that. What do you like about those two schools so I can pass it on?

These are peer schools. Go where you feel the best fit.

Wisconsin. In case you change your mind later or fail to get in ChemE after the 1st year, Wisconsin is more well-rounded so you may have more options. I only visited Minnesota but stayed at Wisconsin for many years. I could be biased, and time could have changed too.

College of Engineering at both schools will be excellent. Chem E at UW is generally ranked very high, but that wouldn’t be a reason to choose it over MN Twin Cities when it sounds like your heart is leaning MN.

Cost comparison? If there were a big cost difference between the two, that might push one way or the other. Or if you are direct admit to CoE and/or major at either school.

Do the college GPA requirements to get into or stay in your major at each school matter to you?
http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/discussion/comment/21925511/#Comment_21925511

Did you get direct admission to chemical engineering at any lower cost school?

US news currently has UMN ranked #8 for ChemE and UW-Madison #9. These really are peer institutions and win-win. If you like UMN better, choose it and don’t look back!

3M, Minnesota mining and Manufacturing, ( the Scotch Tape company, think polymers!) heavily invests in chemical engineering curriculum and research at U of Minnesota. I like the Twin Cities location ,with all that the city offers students.
Also US News has a 2019 ranking, where UMN is tied for 4 and Wisconsin tied for 10. These are surveys of chemical engineering experts, and focus on opinions of research work at the big chemical engineering schools across the USA. I don’t think that is a reason to choose one undergrad program over the other.
Choose based on your preference for location as they are so close in quality, size and reputation.

https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-engineering-schools/chemical-engineering-rankings

@cypresspat beautiful campuses and places where it’s easy to have the “traditional” college experience (school spirit, big athletics programs, etc.) along with a great education