College Decision Help - NC State or Georgia Tech

College Search & Selection
1

Although I’m not sure of what I want to do when I get out of college, I’m considering either working with robotics or in aerospace engineering.

I was accepted to Georgia Tech for mechanical engineering and have been offered the Provost Scholarship. As a potential OOS student, this would bring the cost down to that of what in-state students have to pay. I haven’t heard back from my living learning communities application, so that could be another thing to look forward to. At NC State, I was offered a position with the Goodnight Scholars program. This would provide me with various opportunities as well as a scholarship that makes the cost go down to around 16,000 for the full four years. I was also accepted into the mechanical engineering program at NC State

I really like what both schools have to offer. I’m torn with what to do because they’re offering very different experiences, both of which seem amazing.

I was wondering whether it would be worth it to spend more money to go to Georgia Tech? I’m not sure if I would have a lot of debt because award letters haven’t gone out yet. Would places like SpaceX or Boston Dynamics care about where I go? Of course, Georgia Tech has a more recognizable name, but I want to know if this is a significant factor that employers look at.

Of course, there are things I worry about at each school. I’m just really worried about not choosing the right school because I want to make the most of my education.

What would you guys do in this situation? What factors should I weigh more heavily when making this decision?

Any advice on what to do would be much appreciated. Thanks!

2

If it was computer science, I would say NC State. But aerospace and mechanical engineering are harder fields to get your foot in the door, so you’ll need to all the advantages you can get. Go over costs, including living costs, because even in-state tuition, on your own dime is going to be difficult to do.

3

@coolguy40 Why would you say NC State for computer science? I’m currently considering between NCSU and GT as well for compsci

4

@treepanda I have the same question. In US news ranking for computer science, Georgia Tech is ranked 6th in the nation and NCSU is NOT in the top 12. It seems to me that Georgia Tech is a better choice for computer science. Is there something I’m missing?

For engineering, Georgia Tech is 4th and NCSU is 34th.

5

@treepanda Sorry, I was a little unclear :slight_smile: Computer science is a very employable degree, so it doesn’t matter much where you graduate. I’m saying this as a computer professional myself. The industry is driven almost entirely by experience. For many, the more scholarship money the better, so you can avoid debt. That being said, Ga Tech is a very good school, and if you’re getting in-state tuition, it’s certainly worth considering. If you’re unsure about CS or Mechanical Engineering, GA Tech is a solid option. Just watch the debt.

Here’s another angle. With ME being a more competitive field, you could still go to NCSU for your degree. With the money saved from your bachelors degree, you could get a masters degree. That would squash a GA Tech bachelors degree any day of the week. You’re basically getting 2 degrees for roughly the price of 1. A better value, in my opinion.

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Unless you’re super smart and driven or born rich heir, a better college will normally lead you to better life down the road no matter what major you choose.

7

Georgia Tech.

8

Both are great schools but GaT does have a little better ‘name’. but don’t sale NCS short. GaT ranks 6th in employees in silicon valley, NCS 12th. Very good for two schools on the opposite coast.

http://www.businessinsider.com/top-colleges-for-working-in-silicon-valley-2017-5#7-university-of-illinois-at-urbana-champaign-19

To me it would come down to 2 things, Cost and 4 years in Raleigh vs. Atlanta. Atlanta is a place I like to visit, but would not want to live there.

BTW, With the Goodnight, you can make it through with out any other $ assistance if you are careful, I’ve know a couple of kids who received that.

9

Both great for engineering/tech fields. visit campus and talk to professors and students see if one stands out. NC State has better major sports also