<p>Posted the following in College search and Selection. Thought I would post here as well.</p>
<p>Son has been accepted to both Oho State and Purdue (Honors for both) for aerospace engineering. Ohio resident, so instate tuition for OSU ($4,000 OSU scholarships) and OOS tuition for Purdue. He received enough Purdue scholarships and grants to bring the cost for both to about equal.</p>
<p>He really liked Purdue, but he really liked OSU. He will have to make the ultimate decision, but would like to hear how you would decide? </p>
<p>boneh3ad - thanks for the reply. Son would probably more comfortable at OSU since he already numerous kids there, but also understands the quality of the Purdue program.</p>
<p>FYI, I’m at student at OSU and the only things I’ve heard about OSU’s aerospace program have been negative. I know at least one disgruntled former aerospace-major (now eng phys) from that department.</p>
<p>I have heard a lot of good things about Purdue Aero, but nothing particularly good about OSU Aero. I would also not recommend picking a school based on where he has the most current friends, as his (and their) base of friends will likely change dramatically in college - it might be much LESS comfortable if he gets there and finds that his old friends now want to spend their time with their own new friends instead of him.</p>
<p>If he is dead set on aerospace engineering I would go to Purdue. However, lots of kids start out in engineering and change their minds. If he might change out of engineering, I’d go with OSU because the alternative options are better.</p>
<p>OSU has a strong honors program, not sure about the Purdue program. We have bee so impressed with the benefits of OSU’s honors program that we are seriously considering OSU OOS for physics/math rather than in-state choices William & Mary and University if Virginia. Like your son, ours ha scholarships that make the in state v. OOS dollars about even. </p>
<p>On the other hand, I know Purdue is especially well know for its aerospace engineering (astronaut school). If your son is set on that field, I would go with Purdue, otherwise OSU because (1) honors program, (2) better overall student body, (3) better overall in the broad sciences, (4) better sports, and (5) Columbus > West Lafayette (especially given your son has friends going there, which I agree should not be the first, second, or third consideration, but can be a tip). Good luck!</p>
<p>The 2011 post grad summary shows that out of 100 graduates, 72 are employed, 16 in grad school and 9 still seeking employment. Those seem to be very good opportunities for 2011 grads.</p>
<p>The salary survey show an average salary of just over 60,000. Again very good. I could not find any similar data for OSU.</p>
<p>Sorry I thought of something else I wanted to say. Usually I think for engineering, go where you want to go. Mostly go somewhere you would like to live after you graduate.</p>
<p>But for this specific major and this specific university, I really think Purdue trumps OSU. I’ve visited both places. OSU has a terrific song and dance, seriously one of the best I’ve been to. I did not have a great visiting experience at Purdue. It was not for my child, would not have been a good fit. But it is rated the #1 program in what YOUR Son wants to major in. It’s the same cost as your in state university. </p>
<p>As we are downsizing our defense spending and getting out of 2 wars, I think that getting a job in the areo industry is very dependent on the relationship the university has with employers. I think OSU does have contacts but not the ones Purdue has and not the reputation Purdue has in the industry.</p>
<p>FWIW - son decided he will be a Boilermaker. Reason was they have a better program for him. He may be conflicted when they play OSU in football, though.</p>