need help deciding between...

USC Viterbi or Johns Hopkins (JHU) Whiting- Engineering (aerospace as of now- might change).

I have posted before asking for opinion. Now considering another option which we had earlier ruled out- Johns Hopkins.

Background: We are in the pacific northwest. USC has given our D scholarship cutting the overall cost in half.

JHU – Better brand; will cost us double although we should be able to manage that; on east coast so 3 hour time gap and travel will be difficult; D may take internships and even job there later

USC – Relatively lesser known brand; is giving lot of money; easier travel; kid more likely to stay on the west coast

Is JHU worth considering over USC for engineering. Will appreciate any input. Thanks!

I don’t believe JHU has an aerospace engineering major.

USC is half the price of JHU? Frankly, it seems crazy to pass that up. FWIW, USC Viterbi is #9 in USNWR for engineering. JHU Whiting is #17.

@Lindagaf what if we take tuition out of equation. Does JHU’s name itself offer significant advantage over USC?

Why do you feel that JHU has a better “brand” then USC when it comes to engineering in general and aerospace in particular? Engineering programs are dictated by ABET, so there is very little difference from one campus to another. Newly minted engineers are paid the same no matter where they got their degrees.

If the difference in cost is pocket change, and your kid is in love with Baltimore, then JHU would be fine. But if you will need to struggle to cover the cost difference, and your kid doesn’t particularly care for Baltimore, then USC is the one to choose.

JHU doesn’t even have your student’s intended major and is ranked lower for engineering.

I see no name advantage with JHU.

Congrats on great options.

Easy, USC Viterbi

@momofsenior1 yes, JHU doesn’t have aerospace. D will join mechanical engineering. She is not passionate about aerospace so keeping options open.

@momofsenior1 Thank you! I know we are fortunate to have good choices but equally torn as we want to make the best decision.

The good news is with your options, there is no bad decision.

What more convincing do you need? Your D has been offered an enormous scholarship at a higher ranked engineering school at a very prestigious university. I think you should go buy some twin XL sheets.

"Does JHU’s name itself offer significant advantage over USC? "
For Med school applicants, definately yes.
For Engineering students, absolutely not.
Take the $$ that USC is offering and go there.

Sorry I missed this back when it was timely, but for anyone else considering Viterbi for a D and stumbles on this thread, my kid is entering Sr. year and has had a really positive experience. Jr. year nearly killed her, but soph semester abroad made up for it, I think. Already 3 internships with top companies. Option of 4+1 masters if she wants. Great friends. Loads to do for a “non-partier.” Also, because Viterbi is commited to enrolling women, the classes are more balanced than those of her friends (even though she’s MechE and those are still pretty boy-heavy.) I was sceptical of the USC “branding” but Viterbi has exceeded our expectations, at least for my kid.