<p>Hello guys,
I'm interested in studying Aerospace Engineering or Computer Sciences/Engineering.
I've a 1-2 years till application however I decided to collect information as much as I can. I have been searching over universities, degrees, their prestigates, employment rates/employers, education quality etc.. I've filtered down 3 options Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), Stanford University and UC Berkeley.</p>
<p>Here are the questions:</p>
<p>-ERAU vs. Stanford in Aerospace Engineering
ERAU is reputated for its aero programs however I'm more interested in astronautics/space side of the stuff, I've been reading several boards for this and the general opinion is that they are also the finest in astronautics too however Stanford also holds a high prestige for almost all king of engineering in general and located in West Coast which is an important advantage I think, althought ERAU is very related with NASA in Florida.</p>
<p>-ERAU vs. Stanford vs. Berkeley in Computer Sciences/Engineering
ERAU offers a 5-year program for both Computer Sciences and Computer Engineering however the general look is that their computer program is configured for aeronautical stuff such as avionics. I'm more interested in computer systems in general instead of just one specialization like aircraft softwares etc. On the other hand Stanford focuses on the big map and highly reputated. Also there is Berkeley, some say Stanford beats Berkeley, some say Berkeley beats Stanford. Berkeley is also famous with its engineering programs but I'm not sure about which to select.</p>
<p>Costs/tutition etc.. aren't the main point of considiration for me atm, so when making a recommendation please just focus on university and its education itself. Quality of education, employment after graduation and prestige are the main points I'm considiring for choicing the right uni. We aren't rich lol, but simply put money on a side and recommend based on more important facts.</p>
<p>-Computer vs Aerospace engineering
I'm into computer engineering and also astronautics, its a hard choice for me. So I'm asking which is easier for employment, salaries etc.? Or go for astronautics and minor in computers for fun and probably better employment chance?</p>
<p>I'm thinking on following a masters degree and PhD after graduation, if thats also important for choice.</p>
<p>NOTE: I didn't include CalTech nor MIT in the list because I'm not sure I can get in.</p>
<p>I’d go with Stanford if I were you. I used to live in the same town as ERAU and it’s not a bad school but personally there’s no way I’d chose it over Stanford or Berkeley.</p>
<p>Don’t be sure that you can get into any of these programs.</p>
<p>If you’re interested in aerospace, I’d also look at MIT, GA Tech, and University of Michigan which are basically the top three aero programs.</p>
<p>Wow this was faster than I expected.
I’m not saying I’d simply get in but I’m just stating that my chances for those are higher when compared to the ones like CalTech and so.</p>
<p>Gordon, the thing that makes me to thnik ERAU as a better choice sometimes, is their connections with companies, gov and their well-known history in aero. However I agree with you that Stanford looks like a better option, but still… I somewhere read that Stanford is better in theory side of aerospace engineering while ERAU has more practical training and better equipment.</p>
<p>And Flipper, you are probably right on this. I’m not just sure that I can get into MIT, however I’ll still apply when the time comes, who knows. But as for the others, I’ve been checking US News rankings and ERAU is 1st in undergrad/ms granting while the others are on the top in PhD granting, thats what confused me most, this just makes it harder to compare :/</p>
<p>
And I’m not sure you can get in Stanford or Berkeley either.</p>
<p>Jersey, there are three things I’m sure:
Your way of thinking isn’t of no help, the question wasn’t where can I get in and you don’t know anything about me to be able to evaluate.
I’m looking for constructive comments. Anyways thanks, your point is noted.</p>
<p>^I don’t think Jersey is trying to be mean, and I’m not either, but let’s just point out that Stanford and Berkeley are JUST as hard to get into as MIT and CalTech!</p>
<p>So, if you aren’t sure you can get into MIT and CalTech, what makes Berkeley and Stanford different?</p>
<p>Also, again, not trying to be mean, by why only 3 schools? Considering 2 of them are some of the most competitive in the whole country, don’t you think it would be good to have a wider variety of options? Again, it’s great if you want to apply to those three schools, but why not expand the list a little? Just to have more options?</p>
<p>^ CaliforniaDancer expressed the sentiments that I was too lazy to type out.</p>
<p>I’m sure he didn’t want to be mean :)</p>
<p>Well there are several reasons which made me to think them as easier choices compared to MIT and such. Most importantly, their acceptance rates are usualy higher, and well their rankings are just below the other 2.</p>
<p>I’m open to recommendations, those 3 were just main schools in my mind and mostly because those 3 were the ones that I was able to get most information about.</p>
<p>I’d be more than happy to read if you were to provide me some information about good ones or an URL where can I get detailed info.</p>
<p>My search for good aerospace/computer engineering unis, after mixing most of the listings, descriptions and reviews mostly resulted in seeing those 3 as possible and good options.</p>
<p>If you are not absolutely sure about your future interest in aero, I would recommend an engineering school with a wider choice in engineering disciplines. My son is a junior at ERAU Prescott in Aerospace Engineering, also working towards a CS minor. It’s been a great choice for him, with rigorous academics and undergraduate research opportunities; also appears to have good industry connections for internships and employment. But, as you point out, everything is geared towards the aviation industry. S is on the astro track and so all of his degree requirements concentrate on space topics; all of his computer classes and projects use aero or astro scenarios as a base. If you are not certain that this will be your field of interest, I would look for a more broad-based engineering education.</p>
<p>I’m extremely interested in aerospace engineering, its just that I’m also into computer engineering, thats what left me in confussion. Your son is actually doing what I was thinking about 
I’ve two questions about ERAU, which I wasn’t able to get much info from their website, is one campus superior to other, DB vs. Prescott? and I somewhere read that their astro track in aerospace engineering isn’t as great as the aero track, is there such a problem? But what I understand from your writings is that there is no such problem?</p>
<p>DB > Prescott from what I’ve heard. I’m from the area so if you have any specific questions about EARU or DB just ask away.</p>
<p>^^From what I can gather, I would agree^^. DB has a larger (well, not by much) student population, a couple of additional degree options and has been in existence longer. One reason some students chose PC over DB is if they are interested in the flight training classes; better weather and more opportunities to fly in AZ.</p>
<p>Can’t comment on the strength of either campus’ aero vs astro track, as I only hear second-hand about the astro classes. Seems to be working for my son. He loves it there.</p>
<p>ERAU is known for aeronautical sciences first and foremost. Think pilot training. Aero/astro <em>engineering</em> is really not ERAU’s strength…the other schools mentioned in this thread are in a completely different league.</p>
<p>If you have what it takes to get into Stanford, Berkeley or even an easier engineering school, I would not give embry-riddle a second look. Their SAT scores are seriously mediocre:
[College</a> Search - Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - ERAU - SAT®, AP®, CLEP®](<a href=“College Search - BigFuture | College Board”>College Search - BigFuture | College Board)</p>
<p>their acceptance rate is 81% and only 71% return for their sophomore year which is frankly appalling:</p>
<p>[College</a> Search - Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - ERAU - SAT®, AP®, CLEP®](<a href=“College Search - BigFuture | College Board”>College Search - BigFuture | College Board)</p>
<p>whatever specialization they have in aeronautical engineering, which makes them special, needs to be grounded by the fact that they accept nearly anyone and their students are far less qualified than stanford / berkeley. I can’t imagine there are important opportunities at ERAU, which you would be excluded from, by going to Berkeley or Stanford or even a less prestigious engineering college.</p>
<p>I’m also adding Purdue University and GATech.
What do you guys think about them other than whats already in internet? Purdue’s acceptance rate scared me a bit, however it will be nice if I can hear some first/second hand experiences?</p>
<p>I am in a similar position as you except I am looking to transfer into a school to complete my undergrad in aerospace. In regards to Purdue’s high acceptance rate their aero program is one of the highest regarded in the country. From reading around, while the school is easy to get into this particular major is very competitive to be admitted into. Also Purdue is very well connected with NASA (more astronauts have come from Purdue than any other school).</p>
<p>Rensalaer Polytechnic Institute
U of Michigan
U of Colorado-Boulder
Purdue University
Georgia Tech
Virginia Tech
U of Washington
Princeton University
California State Polytechnic University-San Luis Obispo
Iowa State University</p>