Purdue vs Minnesota for Engineering

College Search & Selection
1

I recently applied to both Purdue and the University of Minnesota and was accepted to both. I’m interested in going into engineering (likely mechanical or aerospace). Purdue sounds like a better school, and their coop program looks very good. However, I am a Minnesota resident, so the University of Minnesota costs over ten thousand dollars less. While Minnesota doesn’t seem to be quite as good, I think it will still give me a good education. So, in short, is it worth the extra money for Purdue, or should I save money and go to Minnesota?

2

Save the money. Both are ABET accredited and follow similar curricula.

3

I agree with Erin’s Dad. If all else were equal and you were interested in something other than Chem E. (U of MN has an excellent reputation in Chemical Engineering) an argument could be made for Purdue, however, they’re not the same cost so I would save the money.

4

Minnesota is a fine school. I would stay in state.

5

Both would be good choices. If money is even a minor issue for your family, I’d stay in state. I would not have your parents take out loans or endure any kind of financial hardship to choose Purdue over U Minnesota. If price is not a factor at all and your parents would support any decision you make, then go with the school you feel is the best fit.

6

Stay in Minn and save the money.

7

Note that both schools admit to pre-engineering status and require you to apply to your major later.

Minnesota: 3.2 prerequisite GPA admits to major; lower GPA may be admitted if space is available: https://cse.umn.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/MechEng.pdf

Purdue: 3.2 prerequisite and overall GPA admits to major if major “is not over critical capacity”; lower GPA may be admitted if space is available: https://engineering.purdue.edu/ENE/Academics/FirstYear/T2M

8

Just tuition (not COA)

Purdue OOS…$29k

Minn Instate…$14k

so there’s a $15k difference in tuition. Plus you’d have greater travel costs to Purdue.

There’s no reason to go to Purdue.

BUT…what are your parents saying? Are they affluent and will happily pay $15k+ per year MORe to go to Purdue??