Hi everyone, I have recently been accepted to Purdue University in a first year engineering program and the University of Maryland in College Park for a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering. I’ve done my own research and found a few general pros and cons of each college, but I would like personal input from as many people as possible. I live in south-central Pennsylvania, so I do not qualify for in-state tuition in either school. Purdue is notorious for its aerospace engineering program, graduating 24 astronauts and having many connections with big industries. UMCP has a similar program to Purdue (slightly inferior, in my opinion), but the internships and experience I would get in D.C. is what conflicts me between these two schools.
Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN):
-Net price per year (excluding loans): $39,284
-Net price per year (including loans): $29,614
*I have also been offered a federal work study program that would give me an addition $2,500 per year
-Accepted into Honors College
-Distance from home: 636 miles
-National rank in aerospace engineering (U.S. News): #6
-Nearby employers for internships: Boeing and Northrop Grumman in Chicago
-Number of Research Labs available for aerospace: 29
University of Maryland (College Park, MD)
-Estimated net price per year (excluding loans): $34,427
*actual net price is unknown; I am expected to receive my financial aid package within the next week and I will keep you updated
-Accepted into Honors College
-Distance from home: 88 miles
-National rank in aerospace engineering (U.S. News): #9
-Nearby employers for internships: Boeing, Northrop Grumman, NASA, SpaceX
-Number of Research Labs available for aerospace: 17
I’ll appreciate any input. I would like to come to a decision within the next two weeks. Thank you!