How is the engineering program at UofSC? I am leaning toward computer engineering but mechanical (aerospace) is also a possibility. How does it compare with other engineering programs? Any insight on either of these majors as well as the engineering program as a whole would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
@lookingahead2023 SC ranks around #104 in terms of their overall undergrad engineering program. Aerospace as a BS program is relatively new there. Previously it was just a minor or a Master’s degree program. Also, because they don’t have a Doctorate program they don’t show up on many national ranking lists. South Carolina’s Computer Science program is ranked #106. You can do a lot better for both programs at other schools but if you’re In-State they’re certainly not bad programs.
@lookingahead2023, thanks for the post… S is in at USC HC, Clemson HC, NC State and VA Tech…all COE. USC has offered the most merit (not Top Scholar). ACT 35, Varsity capt, 4.5 WGPA, 8 APs. Any other opinions… I realize it does not rank with the others… but it’s a wide swing of $. Thoughts?
@ncengineer123 Clemson, NC State and VA Tech are all better engineering schools than SC but there’s a lot to be said for lowest cost of attendance and the USC Honors College has a very good reputation. If SC is significantly cheaper and your S likes the school I don’t think you’d be making a bad decision to go that route.
Thanks. I agree. S.C. is going to come in about $14K less per year than Clemson and N.C. State … no aid from VT. Going to be an interesting 2 or 3 weeks.
Will he consider a Masters program? If so, I’d go cheaper on undergrad. Have you checked outcomes for SC engineering students?
No I have not… the outcomes are one of the inputs that I am not sure how best to measure. At the end of the day, it’s his choice — but he’s looking for counsel. The universities are all quite good… so any input or opinions are welcome.
@ncengineer123 Some programs list the outcomes on their websites. The report should tell you what percentage of grads had jobs, went to grad school or were unemployed/didn’t respond 6 months out. When my son was trying to choose, we asked the director of his program (not engineering) about outcomes since it wasn’t readily available online. The program’s internship/ job connections were really impressive and 87%+ were employed or in grad school post-graduation. That information coupled with merit money and credit for all of his AP’s were also factors for us. We live in Virginia and understand the strength of the VT program, but the HC at SC will add another dimension for your student. I believe it is the #1 Public HC in the US. I’m unfamiliar with the world of engineering programs but does it make a huge difference at the undergrad level (especially if the program is ~ top 100)?
I’m looking at engineering schools in the southeast too. I do like the campus and city of Columbia, and the UofSC honors college looks amazing. Does anyone have experience with the honors engineering courses? Are there many honors engineering courses offered? What are the class sizes like–in both honors engineering and non-honors engineering courses? Who are the biggest recruiters at the school for computer engineering/computer science or aerospace? Thanks so much for your time and helpfulness.
@ncengineer123, I dont know the first thing about any of those engineering schools, but I wouldnt think any of the ones listed are $14k per annum higher than the others. That gives a bunch more flexibility for summer abroad, graduate school tuition, etc.
Each school has its own formula for predicting success/outcomes and applying merit based aid. USC HC has been very aggressive with scholarship for our family … to a lesser degree Clemson (IST)… and for most: none at Va Tech and N.C. State. It’s a 28k spread with VT OOS. So it’s a big spread.
@ncengineer123, I’m the parent of a VT Hokie. Not an engineering major. 
Recruiters from Northern Virginia, out west, and a host of other areas love to go to VT to recruit. A lot of those students get jobs making a lot of money. Some recruiters will give an interview to a VT student over other schools. VT is building a 1B dollar Innovation campus in Northern VA. Some excellent job potential. I don’t know what they put in the water in Blacksburg but everyone loves it there. My son is thriving. Ironically enough my younger son is waitlisted for South Carolina, so we are waiting and hoping for the best for him! I would be happy to answer any questions about VT for you. Best of luck with your great choices!
@golfmom2023 The Amazon/VT partnership for the Innovation campus is terrific. It’s for grad students but it’s certainly a big win for Virginia and VT.
Thanks so much for the insight. We’ll keep a good thought for your son at USC. Knowing this thread is for Gamecocks I have to ask…what do you think they put in the water in Blacksburg? The divide between Clemson and USC is wider than I knew…the rivalry and competition is alive and well… but it makes it more difficult to evaluate the two COEs too!
@ncengineer123 in all honesty, a prospective VT student had a insightful observation when he was comparing VT and Georgia Tech. He said GT was more theory and VT was more education to reality and becoming the person you were meant to be. The level of caring, respect, and service to others is something they take very seriously and it shows to the students. If you are considering VT, and haven’t already checked out the VT Parents Facebook page, check it out for amazing insight. 13,000 members who will help you in a nano second!
@ncengineer123 what is the COA for UofSC engineering? I can’t find up to date figures for 2019-20 school year. thanks.
@golfmom2023… thanks so very much. @lookingahead2023 I don’t know what the numbers are… USC HC COE offered IST and merit $, so it’s in the low teens. VT COE is 41K OOS (my S qualified for a nominal provost award).
Both VaT and NCSU have very large engineering career fairs with employers nationwide. Clemson may have the same, just don’t know. One thing to also look at is Co-op opportunities, which are very big in engineering and pay well.
I would not worry much about saving for grad school unless it’s something they really want as one of the big advantages in engineering is that most employers are ok with a BS.
thanks @jllmtw . Anyone have insight on engineering recruiting for UofSC?
@lookingahead2023 they have a facebook page with a lot of information.