I have been accepted to both of these schools and am unable to decide which school to attend
Georgia Tech is universally recognized as being a top university in engineering and I loved the city of Atlanta during my visit. My parents are paying the entire cost ($40,000 per year) but it’s still really expensive.
However, UMN gave me a scholarship making its total cost ($26,000 per year). Also, their honors program is guaranteed to give me undergraduate research opportunities which I really need to get into grad school. I also have no problem with the cod weather in Minneapolis.
So overall it comes down to prestige vs research and I can’t decide which is better for me. Any advice?
My major is electrical engineering.
Both are prestigious. Both can give you research opportunities. Choose the one that has the best combination of price and fit for you.
Also evaluate the best chance you would have finding work experience. Which schools offer the most internships or co-ops?
Both will offer ample opportunity for internships and co-ops.
Hard to find any flaws at the UM engineering department.
I’m a Yellow Jacket! Georgia Tech is a great school, but only you and your family can decide if it’s worth nearly $200,000 more than UM. Personally, I didn’t apply to my state flagship in order to not be faced with the same choice you have. Georgia Tech doesn’t give much financial aid out of state, but there is a Presidential Scholarship Program which covers full costs. It’s super, super competitive though. Our honors program doesn’t offer scholarships, sadly. Everyone who wants to do research has the opportunity to do so here, a high percentage of our students study abroad, and almost everyone co-ops or interns. If the only factors in your decision are prestige vs. research, as you stated, Georgia Tech has both. You can even do research as a freshman. Good luck with your decision! Let me know if I can help any more at all.