Great Engineering Program vs Average Question

College Majors Engineering Majors
1

<p>Bleh, I had this post all written out but then accidentally closed out, so attempting to rewrite all of it.</p>

<p>I'm going to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, which has a great (5th in nation for undergrad) chemical engineering program, but a not-as-prominent computer hardware engineering program.</p>

<p>I honestly believe I can handle the course load for either of them, and I'm leaning slightly towards the CompE program since I have a bit more personal interest in it. However, the main attraction for me is earnings potential (sue me, I like my money).</p>

<p>Would the prominence of the ChemE program guarantee me a higher salary/earnings potential (long term) than the CompE program? If I have quite some interest in CompE, would it be worth it to choose the ChemE program because of it's distinction?</p>

<p>I'm planning on entering the workforce right after undergrad, if that changes anything.</p>

<p>Thanks for any input.</p>

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<p>That’s not how it works. </p>

<p>Salary depends on industry and not where you graduate from. In engineering, prestige isn’t that much a factor compared to ability. </p>

<p>If you like computers and electronics, then change majors. If you want to work in chemicals or energy, stay where you are at. </p>

<p>Look up salaries for the jobs you want to do in the area you want to work. They are different around the country. Usually compE will make more than chemE but it depends- for instance you could work for a petroleum company and earn more.</p>

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<p>Well, I was thinking along the same lines. My parents were harping on so much about the ChemE program I guess I got delusional.</p>

<p>That quickly made up my mind. Thanks.</p>