<p>I don't really know exactly what I want to major in, but I'm between engineering and computer science. I'd love to get a job in aerospace, which is why I applied to Georgia Tech. However, it is prohibitively expensive. Because I'm a National Merit Finalist and thanks to some generous financial aid, UCF, OU, and Northeastern are virtually free. Word on the street is Northeastern is a better school than UCF and OU, but they both offer aerospace. If I plan on doing grad school, how critical is it that I specialize in undergrad? Is it worth it to take on $160,000 in debt to attend GT? Which school should I choose? Help!</p>
<p>No way is Georgia Tech worth $160k in debt. I’d choose between OU (assuming this is the University of Oklahoma and not Ohio U) and Northeastern. </p>
<p>I would go Northeastern. An entire department of CS/IS, a new engineering building being built I believe, and the co-op program could let you direct yourself towards aerospace jobs in engineering/CS through work in college. With grad school to go, all three other options trump GT for $160,000. As a floridian, I would eliminate UCF now.</p>
<p>Most of my engineering friends at OU (including an Aero E freshman) easily secured paid internships. Since GT was one of OP’s top choices it may make more sense to go Northeastern as it’s a less intellectually diverse school in a major urban environment. </p>
<p>Yep. It’s the University of Oklahoma.
PengsPhils, what makes you think I should eliminate UCF?</p>
<p>If you choose Northeastern (which has the best rep), you could select Mechanical engineering (for example) and still break into the Aero industry (they recruit a large number of ME’s and EE’s). Getting an ME or EE also gives you more employment options, incase the Aero industry goes into a down cycle. </p>
<p>UCF has the largest AE program (it awards around 80 B.S.A.E’s a year, while UO awards around 17), and has some local connections with the industry (in the central Florida area). Even though UO is a higher ranked school, UCF has the higher ranked Engineering program (outside of Petroleum and Chemical Engineering, which are not offered at UCF and make up more than 1/3 of UO’s engineering enrollment).</p>
<p>If you’re ok with Co-op’s and don’t mind getting a ME or EE degree (and then breaking into the Aero industry), then go with Northeastern. </p>
<p>IF you’re very confident about Aero (over 50% of students switch majors at least once) and may want to work in the central Florida area after graduation, then select UCF. Otherwise take a good look at UO.</p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>
<p>UCF has a significantly lower reputation around here than the other schools mentioned for one. I would not want to limit myself to local industry connections either when you have multiple options that provide larger reaches. As Gator said, if that life does appeal to you, then I think it would go back on the table.</p>
<p>As Gator said as well, co-ops are a big part of Northeastern. If you are into them, it should be an easy choice. If it doesn’t appeal, then UCF / OU become a lot better options.</p>
<p>Academics aside, I think environments at these schools are significantly different. Preference in that area should be at least of some consideration.</p>