Engineering Schools: Bucknell v Lehigh?

<p>Does anyone have insight into the national reputation of Bucknell's engineering school vs. a more "known" engineering school such as Lehigh? My daughter is torn between the two, i think she would be more comfortable living in Lewisburg where Bucknell is located, has some friends from high school there already, but as far as career goals, is very much drawn to Lehigh's Computer Science & Business program. Lehigh also has Systems Engineering, which Bucknell does not offer at this time. Both are relatively small schools in relatively small towns, and that was our goal, just not up for a huge state school like VA Tech, but we are finding this an incredibly difficult decision. I am tempted to say that her job options will be greater from Lehigh, particularly if she wants to get into financial engineering/analytical finance, which she thinks. And how often/how likely is it that engineering students change their minds? I know kids who are at more liberal arts schools usually take a couple of years to select a major, much less so for the engineers, but i cant help wonder if we are placing too much emphasis on major and less on environment.</p>

<p>Lehigh is much better in Engineering, but she needs somewhere where she will be comfortable.</p>

<p>Also, Allentown isn’t really “small”, it’s basically the hub of the Lehigh Valley.</p>

<p>Lehigh is NOT much better in engineering. Bucknell is ranked in the top 10, or 5 for certain specific areas, for undergrad (without graduate or PhD programs). It’s engineering program is VERY respected. So is its business program.</p>

<p>You will not go wrong at either school. If Lehigh has majors, concentrations or programs your D wants to study that Bucknell does not have, then go to Lehigh. </p>

<p>But Bucknell has a highly ranked and respected engineering program and is a beautiful school located in a small quaint community.</p>

<p>If your D is an excellant student out of either school, she will get a good job offer or admission at a highly ranked graduate school.</p>

<p>The engineering is equally strong at both. If she would be happier and more comfortable with campus life and vibe at Bucknell then, I would think that she should proceed with Bucknell. Are there any other impt factors that would tip it one way or the other (ie ease of getting to campus, can do a sport or club, etc.)?</p>

<p>Isn’t Bucknell an altogether nicer place than Lehigh? There are supposedly robberies around Lehigh as per my friend’s son who just graduated.</p>

<p>Of course there’s the Clery Act and the whole story about Jeanne Clery at Lehigh.</p>

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<p>Oh yes it is. Bucknell is a teaching college. That’s the mission of the school. Lehigh is a small research university with a commitment to undergraduate teaching. There are research opportunities available at Lehigh that you simply can’t get at Bucknell, particularly if grad school in engineering is of interest. How does an 18 year old know that she has no interest in research. </p>

<p>There may be other reasons to attend Bucknell, but saying that Bucknell is stronger or even equally strong is simply not accurate.</p>

<p>nice work Bucknell is a teaching college is doing best and also it is strong community of teachings</p>

<p>ClassicRockerDad is correct. Research is an important component to an engineering education, even at the undergraduate level, and Lehigh will offer opportunities in this regard that Bucknell will not. Bucknell has not a single NAE affiliated member and will offer almost nothing in the way of research. That may be fine for the aspirations of some students, but be advised that top grad schools are expecting significant undergrad research and even publications these days.</p>

<p>Both schools have strong engineering programs and I know people who have graduated from both Bucknell and Lehigh who are successful in that field. Choose the school which is the best fit comfort-wise and program-wise. When in doubt, go with the gut feeling of which is the best fit school. And once a decision is made, don’t look back.</p>

<p>These are peer schools. Lehigh has great engineering program and so does Bucknell. Hence, the only way to decide is looking at where you “fit” more.</p>

<p>The schools have different feels.</p>

<p>My D looked at each a couple of years ago – she loved Lehigh and hated Bucknell (too much in the middle of nowhere – for her), but this comes down to intangibles.</p>

<p>Bucknell is clearly a regional school (which is neither bad, nor good, but is what it is). Lehigh considers itself a National School, but certainly has less of a broad reach than some others.</p>

<p>FWIW, Lehigh stood out as being entrepreneurial. Bucknell less so. </p>

<p>Bottom line – my only real concern with Bucknell is who recruits there and whether it will offer the same employment opportunities as Lehigh. Check this out, and if you’re satisfied with that, I’m sure that Bucknell will be a fine choice if that’s your daughter’s preference.</p>

<p>Post graduation outcomes for the class of 2012 (outcomes for engineering majors start at page 54): <a href=“http://www.bucknell.edu/Documents/CDC/Post%20Grad%20Results/Postgrad%20report%20full%202012_noblanks.pdf[/url]”>http://www.bucknell.edu/Documents/CDC/Post%20Grad%20Results/Postgrad%20report%20full%202012_noblanks.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>A similar report for Lehigh’s class of 2012:<a href=“http://careerservices.sites.lehigh.edu/uploads/Undergrad%20Placement%20Report%202012--Final.pdf[/url]”>http://careerservices.sites.lehigh.edu/uploads/Undergrad%20Placement%20Report%202012--Final.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;