<p>I am in the process of developing an idea of what I want to do when I go to college or graduate from high school. I'm interested in doing something in mechanical engineering. I originally wanted to go to an engineering school and then grad school but I'm starting to look at doing a physics/math double major and then go to grad school for engineering. </p>
<p>I'm limited to a certain number of schools in my area due to transportation and most of the engineering schools in my area have moderate financial aid. If I were to attend one of these schools I would be paying anywhere from $15k to $30k per year. If I did pay that amount, my family would be in serious debt. I'm starting to think that going to a LAC school for physics/math and then grad school for engineering would be a better option. </p>
<p>I have read other threads about people in my same situation and most of the replies seem to skew towards the "pay the money upfront and pay off later" but not everyone can pay $15k-$30k/year upfront without getting into serious debt. </p>
<p>Am I making poor a choice? or is there a better option?</p>
<p>If money is a big issue, would attending a community college for two years (taking needed math and science and breadth courses), then transferring to a state university with the desired engineering program, be an option?</p>
<p>I think you are very right. That amount is a serious debt. How much would you be paying at a LAC???
At first I was thinking about one of those 3-2 program (e.g. Columbia 3-2 Combined Plan) You get BA and BS from one of the affiliated LAC, and then 2 years at Columbia, respectively. However, the financial aid is case-to-case need-based. So it is not guarantee that you will get good package, and because you have to move to NY, it’s even more expensive I guess.</p>
<p>The second option would be community college for the first two years, and get your associate degree. Then get a job as soon as possible, and hoping that someone would sponsor you, or allow you to work on your B.S. as soon as possible. Some companies would like to make their employees to stay with them so they would somehow sponsor them, or give them flexible work schedule. </p>
<p>I think this second option is a lot quicker to get your BS and more helpful in terms of financial. For one you are going to complete some of the ME work, and for two you won’t be doing too much physics and math which you really don’t need for ME. </p>
<p>The third option is to complete your Physics. you absolutely don’t need to have a major in math (and either a minor in math). For ME you just need to complete the 3 sequences of calculus, vector calculus, differential equation, and linear algebra. The extra math classes aren’t necessary, and they take up your free time, which you can get an internship, a research position at school, or a part time job outside (or a part time work study at school) to make money. But you probably would still end up studying physics for 4 years.</p>
<p>I am really sorry to hear about the situation. If I were in your shoes, oh man, what would I do???</p>
<p>Do you want to be an engineer? If you’re going to wind up in engineering then you’re better off just majoring in ME when you do your undergrad. Contrary to what you might think, advanced degrees are not really useful for engineers. Professional licensing is much more important than a Masters degree. </p>
<p>I would go to a community college for your first two years, to get your pre-reqs out of the way (make sure everything transfers). Then go to a LAC to finish out your undergrad degree. If you still want to go on, then apply for a graduate position somewhere, but be advised your may not receive funding to get a Masters in engineering.</p>
<p>Are you considering graduate school? Physicists and mathematicians are very useful in certain areas of industry, but normally not right out of undergraduate school.</p>