Michigan, UF or Virginia Tech for Aerospace Engineering

College Search & Selection
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<p>My son is a high school junior and desires to study Aerospace Engineering in college. I know this seems like an easy question given Michigan's ranking in relation to the others but, fo him, it is not. I am a Florida alum so he has grown up going to Gator games and loves the campus and atmosphere at UF. However, we live in Virginia at this point and VT is the best engineering program in the state. Michigan is the only campus of the three that we have not yet been able to visit but, from what people say on this site about Ann Arbor as a college town, I'm sure he would love it. While we have not lived in a climate quite like Ann Arbor, he enjoys the snow, so I don't think the weather would be a negative.</p>

<p>Another twist to this is that he is seeking a Navy ROTC scholarship and all three have a fine NROTC program. We like the structure that the Corps of Cadets at VT would provide but all would certainly fit the bill. Since he is going ROTC, out of state tuition is not an issue.</p>

<p>Should Michigan's engineering ranking (UM top seven undergrad engineering, top three in Aerospace) in relation to the others (all among top 25-30 undergraduate engineering programs) be a major factor since this is undergrad and he will spend at least the next four to five years in the Navy? Could his choice impact his possibilities for grad school down the road if he chooses to leave the Navy following his obligated service? Is Michigan's high ranking something that could assist him in other ways down the road that we are not even considering?</p>

<p>Thanks for any assistance.</p>

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<p>bump - Anyone??</p>

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<p>IMO, aeropsace engineering is too specialized for an undergrad program. I'd suggest he consider mechanical engineering as an undergrad and then continue to aerospace in grad school if he is so inclined. He can take a few aero classes as electives as an undergrad and end up with a broader undergraduate background.</p>

<p>With regard to the schools mentioned...all are good, with a slight edge to Michigan...but it really is largely meaningless at the undergraduate level anyway. I suggest he go to the school he likes best...and any of them will prepare him just fine for grad school.</p>

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<p>Michigan
VT
UF</p>

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<p>rogracer,</p>

<p>Yes, we have thought about the fact that Mechanical is a much more broad-based major and may be better suited for undergraduate work. In fact, some of the privates he has looked at, such as Vandy and Northwestern, only offer Mechanical. I figure if he goes to one of the big publics, he can make that choice after his first year. I agree with you though that, regardless of ranking, comfort with a campus and school is critical. It's a tough choice.</p>