Hello all,
I am a high school senior interested in Mechanical Engineering, probably with an automotive focus. I applied and got accepted to IUPUI, RPI, and Penn State. I need to make my decision.
I got into the honors college, so IUPUI is giving me $20,000, so the total cost is around $20,000 (out of state tuition, room, and board is ~$40,000). Penn State didn’t offer anything and I’m out of state there too. RPI offered 23,000, so it’s $32,000. That’s all grant money, I didn’t include subsidized loans.
Even ignoring cost, I am strongly leaning towards IUPUI. I like the Motorsports Engineering program, I like Indianapolis, I like having the speedway there. Penn State is near a lot of family, a lot of family went there, and I like their sporting events. I live near RPI, and my parents are concerned that if I went there, even if I live on campus, I won’t be truly independent. Also, if I decide Engineering is not for me, I’ll pretty much need to transfer. On the other hand, they have a student auto shop open to all majors (the only one in the country), it’s location makes it convenient, and both my parents are legacies.
Before I commit to IUPUI I would like to hear some different perspectives. Any input is appreciated.
I’m not personally familiar with the school but it sounds like IUPUI is a good fit and a good price.
But I do have one comment – I would not let the fact that RPI is close by bother you. After an extensive college search my S ended up at a college 20 minutes away (it was the best school for him), he lived in a dorm and he had a wonderful and full college life. Before he made the final choice we had a talk and we (parents) agreed to never pop by to say hi when we were in the area and to not expect him home other than school vacation and in return he (student) promised to never come by and use us as a crutch, never come by with laundry etc. We all stuck by our side of the deal and there was absolutely zero downside to his being nearby. And a few times it was helpful that he was close (ex. when his laptop died I drove to campus with an old one for him to use until his got fixed, he was able to get home after finals despite a snowstorm that cancelled flights etc.). If RPI isn’t the right school for you that is fine (I do think the school does have some non-engineering majors but maybe not an extensive list)…but I would not let RPI’s proximity to home stop you from going if it is the right school.
RPI is arguably the best choice overall for engineering (very well respected in the industry). But since you like Purdue and Indy, and it’s cheaper, I’d say go to Purdue.
In any case, I’d say it’s between Purdue and RPI (not Penn State).
IUPUI is about 5 miles away from Speedway Indiana one of the most technologically advanced race tracks in the world and a direct connection with the school. A world class program. Any engineering degree available at Purdue is available at IUPUI (250 degrees}.
Plus, you are smack dab in one of the best (and relatively safe) down towns in the country. Blocks from Lucas Oil, Bankers Life, Circle Center, Mass Avenue etc.
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Pacers, Colts, Indy 11, Jaguars, great Midwest blues and concerts, Sports activities, cuisine etc…
In other words an urban experience in the Midwest.