Georgia Tech OOS vs NC State In-State (Engineering)

College Search & Selection
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<p>Hey, I am trying to decide between Georgia Tech out-of-state and NC State in-state.
I applied to the Honors programs for each and I did not get into either. </p>

<p>I live roughly 30 minutes away from NC State. I have an older brother that is a current sophomore undergrad that goes to Georgia Tech, and he likes it there. Next year, if I were to go to GT, we would have a car on campus that we could use for traveling back and forth. Right now, I am interested in chemical engineering, but that is not set in stone.</p>

<p>Georgia Tech's total cost next year is around $43,000. My family is expected to pay around $39,000, with various choices for some student loans. NC State's in-state cost projects to be around $23,000 each year, around half of GT's total cost. If I go to Georgia Tech, I will most likely have to finance myself up to $50,000+ through student loans, co-ops, or internships. If I go to NCSU, I will not take out any student loans.</p>

<p>I am wondering if the high engineering ranking and prestige of Georgia Tech (#5 overall) is worth the extra tuition and travel costs against the price of NC State (#30). What value should I place on a ranking for an undergrad engineering education? Also, between GT and NCSU, does GT's degree give me: a better chance when applying to a high-ranking grad schools, better job opportunities, or higher salaries? I do plan on getting a masters in engineering. </p>

<p>In addition, I was offered a $11,500 scholarship over 4 years to study Paper Science and Engineering. They offer a very attractive dual degree between PSE and Chemical Engineering. If anyone has first-hand experience of this program or any knowledge on the program, please comment! </p>

<p>I appreciate any advice, knowledge, or input! Thank you! </p>

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<p>EDIT: I forgot to mention this, but the Paper Science and Engineering scholarship was offered by NC State. Thanks.</p>

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<p>BUMP</p>

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<p>NCSU, with the special program, sounds great. NO school, not even GTech, is worth $50,000 in debt - plus it sounds like your parents too would have to take on some debt, did I understand correctly the “with various choices for student loans” (I suppose it means Federal loans and PLUS?)</p>

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<p>Prestige is not valued highly in the engineering marketplace. I’m a GT grad, but I think you’d be getting a better deal at NC State. Get good grades and good GRE scores to get into a good grad program.</p>

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<p>@MYOS1634 Yes, you were correct. There is the option of the PLUS loan, where my parents would take on some debt, along with other federal loans. Thanks for the insight!</p>

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<p>Engineering is not a profession that’s as “prestige-conscious” as others (few are and engineering least of all) but rather performance=based. You’ll be hired for your PERFORMANCE at whatever school you choose: grades, internships, recommendations. NCSU really is your best choice.</p>

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<p>No brainer…NCState. silly to borrow that much when you have an excellent instate cheaper choice.</p>

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<p>NC State. no question.</p>

<p>Great school. Great facilities. Have you visited the Hunt Library? Just that alone would convince me to stay in NC.</p>

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<p>Thanks @MYOS1634‌ @BobWallace‌ @mom2collegekids‌ @SlackerMomMD‌ for the advice! And yes, I have visited the Hunt Library. It’s amazing!</p>

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<p>My husband is an NCSU alum with a Mechanical Engineering degree. When he graduated from NCSU, he had five job offers. He has spent his career in nuclear power generation. He is an ardent alum. </p>

<p>Our oldest son attended NCSU (class of '09) on a NROTC scholarship. He LOVED NCSU… Lots of school spirit, Raleigh is a great college city. We live only a couple of hours from Raleigh but S rarely came home…too much going on in Raleigh.</p>

<p>A man at our church did the Paper/Pulp Science major. Not sure who he works for but he gets to travel internationally and seems to really like his job. I get the impression that he’s paid very well.</p>

<p>Both of my sons graduated from NC publics (younger S went to ECU). I can’t tell you how much easier it was for them to start their post-graduation lives with zero loans. It makes a huge difference. Choose NC State.</p>

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<p>This is a no-brainer, OP. Go to NC State. You cannot get 50K in loans each year. </p>

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<p>Thanks for the input @PackMom‌ and @jkeil911‌. To be clear, @jkeil911‌, the amount would have been 50K total (over 4 years) in loans, but point understood! I have mentally decided to attend NCSU this fall!</p>

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<p>NCSU - great school and not having debt will be well worth it. We live 20 minutes from campus but dd lives on campus. She took a couple of classes there during high school and was afraid it wouldn’t feel like she was really away from home. Once she was there full-time, she said it was very different than going for one class a few days/week. She’s very happy there. Good luck!</p>

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<p>Student loans are capped at $31K. Any other loans would have to be to your parents or to you with them as cosigners. Stay in state.</p>

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<p>Thanks @NeedAVacation‌. Thanks for the info, @“Erin’s Dad”; I guess my parents and I would have totaled around $50,000 in general debt.</p>