<p>My D has just received her acceptance for Electrical Engineering in Iowa State University. Could you please advice which is better based on the following parameters:</p>
<ol>
<li>Ability to settle down initially. She is an international student. </li>
<li>Difficulty of course.</li>
<li>Accessibility to professors.</li>
<li>Ability to graduate in 4 years.</li>
<li>Undergraduate research facilities.</li>
<li>Availability of classes. </li>
<li>Campus vibe.</li>
<li>Safety</li>
<li>Jobs after passing out. Do NCSU engineers get more salary?</li>
</ol>
<p>I can’t compare them for you, because I am only familiar with NCSU, but NCSU engineering is rigorous. The location in Raleigh/research triangle makes some internships accessible. It is about 20-30 minutes from a major airport if that helps ( since your D will be travelling). The climate is moderate in winter. Campus is relatively safe ( all students should be cautious at their colleges)</p>
<p>For specific info such as graduation rates, job placements, salary of grads, I would contact the college. </p>
<p>Not a parent of a potential engineer, but my daughter and I just visited ISU the other day. One of the first parts of the visit was a Q&A session with current students–I believe three of the five were engineering majors. They were all really impressive and talked about the multiple internships they had had, and the one kid who was graduating in December (sorry, forget what type of engineering he was) already had a job lined up and had turned down several other offers. I assume the salaries are competitive for any qualified engineering graduate entering the workforce so I doubt there’d be a difference between the two schools that way.</p>
<p>At least in the midwest, ISU has a great reputation. I can speak to some of your other questions, at least according to what we heard when we were there.</p>
<p>Settling in: the campus was friendly and there are tons of international students. The dorms are set up with “houses” on each floor that are inclusive of all students and work to create a sense of community. </p>
<p>Accessibility to professors: this was emphasized a lot but you’d have to ask about engineering profs specifically.</p>
<p>Ability to graduate in four years (which also relates to getting classes): they talked a LOT about getting kids out in four years.</p>
<p>Research facilities: again, you’d have to check on the EE program but I have heard they are good.</p>
<p>Campus vibe: maybe the best we have experienced in many tours with two kids. The campus is GORGEOUS and safe and welcoming. School spirit is very high. Kids are engaged and smiling. The town is small and safe and there is a great relationship between ISU and Ames (which is not always the case with town/gown relations). I’d be thrilled if my daughter decided to go there–right now it’s one of her top choices.</p>
<p>Oh Thanks a lot sally 305. Your replies were very helpful and encouraging. My D seems to have narrowed her focus to ISU. Hope your daughter does too. I wish her all the best. Thank you once again for your detailed replies.</p>
<p>ISU also sounds like a great choice. I don’t think one could go wrong with either one of them, but of course the one that fits the student the best is the best choice. Good luck to your daughters. I sounds like they will be very happy at ISU. </p>
<p>Mine hasn’t decided 100% yet. Still has a mid-sized Catholic school in the running, so it’s a totally apples-to-oranges comparison! I am hoping she picks ISU, though. :)</p>