Hi guys, recently I was accepted to both UCLA and UMN for mechanical engineering. Honestly, I have no idea how to choose between the two. I know that LA is a big and impacted city, but what about Minneapolis? I’m an international student from WA, and I’ve never been to any of those two states sadly. As far as living expense goes, would Minneapolis be a more affordable place to live compared to LA? However, my main concern is about the program quality of those two schools. The most important question for me is: Which one would give me a better shot to find a job after I graduate? (assuming I maintain a good enough academic standing).
Thank you guys so much, any helps would be greatly appreciated !!!
Will you be getting your green card by the time you graduate?
Both universities are standouts when it comes to engineering. Essentially, there’s no wrong choice.
You don’t mention costs or scholarships, so, how much would each cost if you count just (tuition, fees, room, board) and subtract (scholarships/grants), NOT any loan?
Would your parents have to take on debt for either one - if so, which one and for how much?
Or can your parents afford to pay all the costs “out of pocket”, from their income and savings?
I think my parent is able to pay for both schools. I didn’t take tuition into account because I pay OOS tuition for both of them, and I didn’t receive any financial aid or scholarship. My main concern is the school’s popularity and job opportunity in each area. Thank you.
Just double checking with USnews ranking today. They both rank 18th under mechanical engineering. I’m just really curious if that the case, how come UMN is less popular than UCLA in terms of engineering field?
Because there are more people in Southern California that apply to UCLA. Almost all the schools in the Midwest have higher acceptance rate than the UCs but they are excellent schools like UIUC, Michigan.
Also, because fewer people like snow and cold, than sun and warm. 
Verify with your parents about the costs. Minnesota is one of the less expensive out of state publics, while UCLA is on the higher end.
However, Minnesota apparently does not admit frosh directly to engineering majors. You need to apply later. A 3.2 GPA means admission; lower depends on space available.
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I think my parent is able to pay for both schools. I didn’t take tuition into account because I pay OOS tuition for both of them, and I didn’t receive any financial aid or scholarship. My main concern is the school’s popularity and job opportunity in each area. Thank you.
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You “think” that your parent is able to pay for both schools??? At this point, you need to KNOW that. PLEASE ask your parent if he/she will pay $53k per year for UCLA…and whatever the cost is for the other school.
Your parent may have no intention of paying that much for an OOS public.
What is your home state?
What are some of the less expensive schools that you got accepted to?