I’m currently going to Gateway Community College and about to complete my Engineering Associate’s Degree, but I can’t figure out whether to choose CCSU or UConn to transfer and complete a Mech. Eng., I’m 70 percent sure I will choose Mech.
CCSU has the following advantages for me compared to UConn: 30 min less drive, 4000 dollars cheaper tuition, can take 2 courses this sem. which transfer so might not need to take extra sem. at UConn.
CCSU Disadvantages: Heard complaints about faculty and teaching at CCSU (which might affect my GPA as my GCC GPA won’t transfer anyway), was told that UConn education is more highly valued by employers and more reputable.
Those are the pros and cons I know of thus far but there may be others. I would really appreciate some advice as I feel it’s a very difficult decision to make.
@Akutubi24 - I suggest you transfer to UConn. UConn has a far better reputation in engineering, and a much wider range of programs and research output of the faculty. CCSU has little research output, and in the eyes of engineering employers, is not as highly regarded. CCSU has only two ABET accredited engineering majors (Civil and Mechanical Engineering). They also have Engineering Technology (a paraprofessional, technician level program), which in my opinion detracts from the school in general. The extra 30 minute drive and 4000 dollar tuition difference are insignificant and are incurred only for your remaining two years in school, but the regard in which the school is held by employers will strongly influence the course of your career which is a far greater consideration. I know that if I were interviewing candidates for positions in my organization, the UConn graduate (other things being equal) will likely get more attention than one of CCSU. What are the transfer policies of both schools? Will both accept your Associate’s degree as fully satisfying the first two years of their engineering coursework so you would start as a third year (junior) student?
Have you visited the school in Storrs? It really is a wonderful place, the school spirit, the energy, the food and of course the engineering program. You say extra 30 min drive, will you be commuting?? It’s always difficult to drive further or pay more, but so worth it!! If you are able then definitely UConn , no question!!