I’m an international kid looking to major in engineering and hopefully find a career in the MechE field. I’m close to deciding on a college, but for now it’s between these two.
I recognize that Swarthmore offers a world-class education and faculty who cater to me as an individual more than 99% of colleges in the US. I know I’ll come out of Swat a very well-rounded person with writing and critical thinking skills.
But at the same time, I’ve heard concerns about Swat’s generalized engineering degree. I’m definitely not looking to get into grad school in the first 3-4 years after undergrad, and I’d actually prefer to get a good job out of college before I consider grad school. Most engineering students at Swat have grad school on their minds, and I wonder if my general engineering degree will look useless to employers in the job market.
Swarthmore would win a tiebreaker because of location and being marginally cheaper (talking $4k a year).
What are your two cents?
Ask Swarthmore where recent engineering grads have gone to work - directly to work as an engineer. Do the same for U Roc. Use the info you receive to help with your decision.
General engineering degrees are not well received as engineers in the engineering circle I know (H owns the company), but that’s just one circle in one place on the planet. See what places graduates of each go out to and are successful in to see if it lines up with what you are looking for.
Swarthmore does provide a PE licensing.
Just to clarify, PE licensing is an exam taken at the end of college. Swarthmore may PREPARE students for the exam but it isn’t “providing” licenses. https://ncees.org/engineering/pe/.
Not all industries require engineers to have the PE so this may be an extra hoop that Swat grads need to jump through.
URochester is absolutely better for ME.
Pro: 1. URochester makes it seamless to double major. 2. Lab facilities are great
Con: 1. many students change their mind about major. 2. Weather is harsh and depressing if you aren’t used to the environment.
Swat
Pro - very well respected. 2. Gorgeous campus.
Con - specifically in ME, it just doesn’t rank well against other lesser known schools. Co-OP is virtually nonexistent, although if the student finds a co-op, the school works with you to make it happen.