Hi I am in desperate need of help trying to figure this out. I am looking to become an aerospace engineer.
My first school is Purdue. One of the best programs in the country, but also my most expensive at 45k a year. Smaller scholarships become more available once you decide on a major, but I will still be left in a huge amount of debt, about 100k. I like the campus and would definitely enjoy myself, but I am worried about leaving myself in such a big monetary hole. However, after discussing with students the Purdue name carries itself and there are ample opportunities for internships with big companies like Lockheed, Northrop, NASA, etc… Also plenty of clubs, though I would be competing with many other students for positions within them. So basically a potentially easier path to success but at a much higher cost, but potentially higher reward due to starting salaries from purdue being 70-80k in this field.
Next is Pitt. Pitt does not have a specific aerospace major like purdue does, so I would not have that specific degree on my resume. However, after discussing with a student who studies there who is interested in aerospace, it is definitely possible. To succeed however, I would need to seek out my own opportunities, though the level of competition with other pitt students would not be as intense. The clubs for aerospace may not be as developed but are still successful. The thing I like least about Pitt is the urban campus, but I love the actual city of Pittsburgh and know I would have a good time (also have family in the area). Pitt would only cost around 28k a year and leave me in half the amount of debt, though I would need to work a lot harder to gain the opportunities to be successful in the aerospace field. The cost would be much cheaper but the path to the field I am interested will most likely be harder.
Lastly is Michigan State. Similar to Pitt in that there is no aerospace degree, but Michigan State does offer “concentrations” within mechanical engineering, one of which is aerospace. I would have admission to the Honors college, with opportunities for study abroad (one of the best programs in the country), and paid research my first two years. Another campus I really like, though the surrounding area is not my favorite in comparison to my other two options. Cost would be the same as pitt.
I am really struggling making this decision and any help would be appreciated…