<p>@existential12 RPI and RIT is just under an hour from buffalo, NY which is an up and coming city… Unless that is not close enough. Check out Syracuse in the meanwhile. </p>
<p>With the Princeton Review rankings out you have to get over to 'cuse! They are the top PARTY school in the nation and I bet are might proud of it. They also holds classes I hear.</p>
<p>You should also keep in mind that where you launch your career is likely to be in the area where you attend college. And the housing cost curve after college generally runs parallel to the wages curve.</p>
<p>I’d recommend making a major choice now. Engineering normally has a set curriculum for a 4-year track. It’s easier to switch away from engineering to math/physics than vice versa, where it’s virtually impossible. And due to other factors that might be beyond your control (e.g. class availability), many colleges might actually be 5-year schools instead of 4-year schools.</p>
<p>What’s your tentative goal? Grad school might be necessary for progress in math/physics careers, but a project list and certifications are generally more important than an advanced degree in many engineering fields.</p>
<p>If engineering, what type are you interested in? That’s another major factor in your decision. School size? Urban/suburban/rural?</p>
<p>Not sure what area of NY you live, but Renssellaer is good. Binghamton. In NJ, Rowan, NJIT, Stevens are the best for most types of engineering. Drexel in Philly (4 yrs + a 1-yr co-op). Rutgers NB is good, too, but it typically holds undergrads for a 5th year. </p>