Right now I am between going to Purdue or Michigan Tech next year for engineering. I know that Purdue has a better reputation as a university, but coming from Michigan, it costs a lot more than Tech. I like both campuses so would it be a waste of money to go to Purdue?
Also, I’m waitlisted at Umich and if I get accepted there, that’s where I’ll go.
Tech is great — I’d take your in-state option.
Don’t worry about reputation. If you like Michigan Tech and you think that it has what you want in terms of academics, then save your (and your parents’) money, and go with Michigan Tech.
It may depend on your career goals and the difference in costs. Some majors like computer science at Purdue will
have much better job connections to the west coast. You can still get a good education at Michigan Tech, though and it may be wise not to spend 2X or 3X. Most of the engineering majors are close in quality. Purdue does have a truly superb alumni network with many alumni working on the west coast.