Texas resident, DD is interested in majoring in Mech Engr (but open to new opportunities, e.g. EE). Accepted both places; received merit aid from CSM that makes OOS tuition within $5k of in-state. No word from UT-Austin on merit aid yet, but they don’t exactly have deep pockets. No word on need-based FA from either, but my impression is that it’ll be the same either place. (?)
DD plans to continue to a PhD. Any comments on which has a better reputation for ME, or which might help her more during Grad admissions process?
Many thanks for taking the time to respond. Your comments will be appreciated!
The two schools while both public universities and both very strong in mechanical engineering, are vastly different. They are different in focus and size and location. UT Austin has slightly a better national reputation on the coasts. Mines is very well known in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado and now getting recognized in California more and more. Mines has a private school feel, due to the very small size, and will offer smaller class sizes, and more focus on oil and gas applications in all majors. Professors will know your daughter by first name at Mines. If she is interested in petroleum applications, or eventually a job in the petroleum industry, or have interest in geology or geophysics, Mines is the right choice. If she is uncertain or could even want to major in biology, business, economics, or English, UT Austin is better.
For mechanical engineering, the two curriculums will be almost identical, both are strong. If she wants to take foreign language, advanced English, history or any other humanities subjects to round out her education and writing abilities ,UT Austin is a lot better than Mines. For getting admitted to a PhD program, what really sets apart students is research opportunities. I think that may be similar but check on that at each school, ask about on campus research, is it payed or for credit, does she have a good chance to work in an area of interest? Does she need straight As in freshman year at UT Austin to get a position with a professor? At Mines, I think all students will have opportunities for research work and Mines also offers a summer of intense field work, which parents pay extra for, and its required. Its a great hands on experience that sets Mines graduates apart from other graduates. Mines students rarely fall through the cracks, every student is mentored. Some do drop out but often because they do not like engineering , not because they cannot pass the classes. Mines has strong ties in National Renewable Energy Lab in Golden that works on wind, solar and geothermal energy solutions. This is a Department of Energy Lab that is close to campus. UT Austin will have industry ties too, as there are so many companies in Austin, in particular in the EE/circuits area. Austin was a hotbed of semiconductor cleanrooms and still has considerable employment in that area.
If it’ll cost 15k + 5k for Colorado School of Mines OOS, wouldn’t UT be significantly cheaper at 10k/year?
Firstly, many congrats to your daughter! I’ve worked in ME through clubs and internships, and am also considering Mines. Firstly, How much aid did they give to your daughter? If it is only a 5k difference - then I think it just comes down to personal preference. The main thing is this, will your daughter be taking student loans at either institution? If you can avoid those loans at Austin, than that is the way to go.
Thanks, guys!
ColoradoMama, I appreciate your in-depth response! Don’t forget that paid internships may involve paying taxes and will be directly deducted from need-based aid. So, in some cases it’s better to NOT get paid. (Stinks, doesn’t it?)
Nevets04, I wish UT-Austin were that inexpensive! The $10k would cover most of her tuition and fees, but she’d have to live under a bridge and beg handouts for food, lol. The difference for us would be about $5k.
MiningEngineer, According to an Admissions presentation we attended at Mines, the range for OOS merit aid is $10-14k per year. There are several scholarships available to in-state students. I agree with not taking out any student loans!