Hi guys and I was hoping you could just give some quick advice on picking the best college for an UG in Aerospace Engineering.
A bit about me, I already have a BA in Economics and I’m 28. I wanted to make a career change and chase my passion. I have a 3.4 gpa and I took a math and physics heavy course load. (Cal 1, Cal 2, Physics etc)
I’ve been accepted into these three schools for AE: Ohio state, Iowa State, Embry Riddle. I live in NY so I’m going to be out of state for all three. I haven’t applied to any other schools because I missed the deadline for the applications.
Cost is not really an issue, I’ve done my partying and gotten the college experience out of my system. Being a bit older gives me a different perspective now.
What’s important is selecting a school that will give me the best chance at getting hired (putting aside that I get a high graduating GPA, participate in groups etc) at these companies in order of preference:
- Lockheed
- Northrop Grumman
- Raytheon
- General Dynamics
- Other aerospace defense companies
I understand that this is rather specific and that certain companies have special relationships with certain colleges.
Its usually hard to get such specific information from the college itself and I wanted to know out of these three if there was a school that was recruited more heavily by these companies.
I was hoping that someone would have some personal experience and information to share.
Thanks for reading
Both Ohio State and Iowa State are good choices. Go to the one you like better.
I have never figured out the appeal of Embry Riddle (definitely do not go to one of its small extensions – just one of the big campuses in Florida or Arizona).
After reflection… Embry Riddle just might be your best choice. You already have a bachelors degree, and ERAU would immerse you in the aerospace “culture” (so to speak). Several astronauts are graduates, and both the Air Force and Navy have ROTC programs at the Florida location. The Navy, in particular, is actually rather picky about were it has ROTC programs.
I recommend that you explore the career prospects at EBAU. It might be more oriented toward pilots and other “hands on” aspects of aero rather than engineering design.
Also look into the co-op possibilities at these three. That is one of the best ways to gain employment in your field.
Thank you for your response!
@NROTCgrad @harkkam
They do have a strong pilot program, but it’s definitely not a “hands on” tech school if that’s what you’re suggesting. Their engineering programs are solidly based in theory, with hands-on excursions (typical of what you will find at most engineering schools). They are great programs, with lots of research opportunities for both undergrads and grad students. Strong connections with engineering companies as well.
It is a very appealing option to many people primarily because they are smaller, and pay a lot of attention to undergraduates. The Arizona campus (I can’t speak to the Florida campus because I didn’t go there) is also in a beautiful location with loads of outdoor amenities in the immediate vicinity. Quality of student life is very high there. These are all reasons why it costs more than a typical in-state school.
To the OP: All of the schools you are listed are good schools and will give you the opportunities you are looking for. It’s really a matter of personal preference at this point, and that’s something that will require you to investigate each and decide for yourself. If you have any questions regarding Embry-Riddle (I’m an alum), feel free to ask!