Financial Standpoint: Engineering

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I live in Western New York and am looking to find a good engineering school to attend next year. So far, I've been looking at places like RPI and URochester, but I'm just not sure if I can afford around 50k in college expenses per year. So basically, I'm looking for some schools in the area that just cost less than this, maybe less than 30k if possible? </p>

<p>Here's a list of some of my credentials for reference: <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/793206-help-me-out-little-rpi-ur-cmu.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/793206-help-me-out-little-rpi-ur-cmu.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Thanks for the help.</p>

2

<p>I think I have heard NYU-Poly is affordable but that might have changed since it merged with NYU… not sure.</p>

3

<p>Hard to talk about costs without knowing what your family financial situation is, and what level of need-based financial aid you might qualify for. If you’re going to be full-pay but are still worried about scraping up $50K/year to attend a top private school, you might consider some out-of-state publics with good engineering programs. Wisconsin’s OOS tuition is only about $22,000, a deep discount from private school tuition. Minnesota is even cheaper, at about $15,000. These are both Top 25 engineering programs.</p>

4

<p>Cooper Union is tuition-free; other costs run around $19K per year.</p>

<p>The hard part is getting in, though, and at this point it would probably be a reach.</p>

5

<p>U Maine has a decent engineering program.</p>

<p>With your stats, you would qualify for merit $, possibly making Maine an attractive option.</p>

6

<p>I would look into SUNY Binghamton and Buffalo.</p>

7

<p>I’m not sure what my dad makes currently. I’m guessing his salarary is around 100k. The big problem though is that his plant is closing down in two years and he’s gonna have to be looking for jobs again. Not sure if this will help me in need-based aid, or not until it happens. I’m just worried that if i do start dropping 50k/year and he can’t get another that pays high enough, or even find one at all for a while (unlikely for my dad, but possible I suppose), then what will happen?</p>

8

<p>There’s a place on the FA forms for extenuating circumstances. Write about it there. Some schools won’t give you financial aid in subsequent years unless you apply for it from the beginning. So, they may give you more FA in your 3rd year after the plant closes.</p>

9

<p>As for other schools that are slightly cheaper, I’ve been looking at RIT a little bit. </p>

<p>What are some thoughts on their engineering program?</p>

10

<p>RIT’s engineering is pretty well-respected. Not a bad choice at all.</p>

<p>Also look at Case Western, Pitt, U Toronto, and Clarkson, as well.</p>

11

<p>Give RIT a really great look. Co-op is a part of their program and you can save the money you make for tuition the next quarter. It is also cheaper than many schools you are looking at. Going back home would be an easy commute.</p>

12

<p>I…honestly don’t know about these year’s scholarships either, but because NYU-Poly and NYU still have separate application processes (for the most part), they’re probably retaining their unique financial aid too. I.e. NYU is stingy and Poly is generous. You could try Poly. How it generally works is, you have to apply and get in before they offer you any aid, but perhaps if you speak to an admissions counselor over the phone, they could offer you an estimate. I know that in past years though, Poly offered full-tuition scholarships. And tuition is 34k+; it’s a private university.</p>

<p>Also, I can’t recall what WPI’s financial aid is like. You should check it out though, perhaps.</p>

13

<p>Cal Poly SLO, very strong engineering for about $25K/yr aad you should be a shoo in. Waterloo in Canada would be the better choice than UT.</p>