<p>my two top choices right now are Lafayette and WPI. I think I would be happy at both of them but the main difference between them is Lafayette is a LAC with engineering vs WPI which is just engineering. What are the pro's/con's of both and which would give be better jobs/ grad school opportunities?
Thanks!</p>
<p>my intended major is Civil/environmental engineering</p>
<p>Having been to both (my son had the same questions as a prospective ME student), your characterization is based FAR more on myth and perception that the realities of what you will experience. If your goal is to be around LAC types, you might be better off at Lafayette. If your idea however is to dip into LAC type activities, you will be limited at Lafayette. Think of it as a typical engineering program, wholly housed in a liberal arts college (ditto for Bucknell and Union). WPI on the other hand will actually give you experiences you won’t be able to experience at Lafayette, like travel abroad that won’t screw up your engineering progress. Look carefull at the curriculum maps. Read the web pages. Most importantly, visit the schools and ask specific questions. For me, the answer is easy, WPI. They have better toys, a more innovative curriculum, are more respected in engineering circles and offer likely more rather than less flexibility within the curriculum. Good luck.</p>
<p>My son (who is a college freshman) had similar questions. He applied and got into both programs. He got a much better merit package from Lafayette, which was important to us. From what we were told, my understanding is that Lafayette actually makes it easy for engineers to do programs in engineering abroad. They send their own faculty to oversee the programs so that the courses all meet requirements. In fact my son’s scholarship also provides money for overseas programs. I cannot comment on “toys”, but so far my son is very enthusiastic about his mechanical engineering courses and the hands-on projects that he has experienced so far. He is also enjoying the liberal arts environment, which is quite supportive. Good luck - these are both great schools.</p>
<p>And from what I have learned Lafayette Engineers are in demand, even without all the toys.</p>
<p>We were very impressed with WPI on our visit. Lake Jr. ultimately accepted an admissions offer from another STEM school but he would have fit right in at WPI because he’s a kid with very broad interests, which includes the liberal arts.</p>
<p>@Lakewashington that is why I am going to show WPI to my DD.</p>