CMU vs. Columbia Engineering

Colleges and Universities A-Z Carnegie Mellon University
1

<p>Recently I was accepted to both CMU and Columbia Engineering. I got into the ECE program at CMU, which I am pretty happy about and now I am trying to decide between the two schools. </p>

<p>At CMU, I’d probably end up double majoring in ECE/BME. At Columbia, I’m primarily interested in BME but looking into other engineering majors as well. Of the two, I’m pretty sure CMU’s ECE program is stronger, but Columbia has the “prestige” as well as the attraction of a more “well-rounded” education and its location in NYC which opens up a lot more opportunities.</p>

<p>Can anyone give me any more insight into the strengths/weaknesses of the two schools (both the engineering programs themselves and other factors like opportunities, social scene, etc.) and which would be the better choice? </p>

<p>I probably will get similar financial aid from both schools (still waiting on Columbia’s FA info) so money doesn’t really factor in.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>I visited Columbia’s engineering department and wasn’t that impressed. The engineering building seemed shabby - I found engineering seems to be second fiddle at most of the Ivies - except Cornell. CMU is a much stronger engineering program. NYC is nice, but you’ll have limited time if you’re an engineering major. Pittsburgh actually has a number of nice venues from sports to cultural activities and it’s all very accessable. CMU also has a strong business school and the humanities are being built up with a new grant.</p>

<p>It’s nice to have Ivy admission bragging rights but CMU is the better engineering choice.</p>