Folks - my son is looking to get a solid engineering degree as his base before branching off to something else. He didnt get into Purdue for engineering (but was admitted to Economics as his 2nd selection), he had gotten into VTech Engineering, UConn Engineering, Rochester and Villanova. Still awaiting Wisconsin. Any suggestions on what he should do? Purdue is ranked higher than VTech but what are the chances he can transfer into Engineering from his current Economics degree program? If he gets into Wisconsin, would that trump others? Also - any feedback on UConn, Rochester, Villanova Engineering programs? What would you suggest selecting?
Here’s the issue at Purdue - a non engineer is going to have difficulty scheduling the classes necessary for the transition to major. I would talk to the college of engineering staff directly about the likelihood of a successful transition to engineering, the specifics of how courses would be scheduled, and if it would add extra time towards graduation. The more popular engineering majors have a more competitive GPA requirement and some say that even with the GPA, non FYEs won’t be guaranteed a slot. That would be another question to ask.
IMO, if an engineering degree is the goal, I would go where you have a direct admit.
I’m a Purdue mom and my DD didn’t apply to any of the other schools on your list so hopefully other posters will chime in.
Consider the University of Rochester as a top pick. All of the listed schools would be good for engineering, but UR, in particular, offers the appeal of balance and flexibility as a designed aspect of its curriculum.
Thanks momo and merc for your replies. UR is a great school (we visited and were impressed) - but my son is keen on getting a competitive degree from reputed engineering school before branching off into something (maybe an MBA) in economics or finance for a graduate degree.
As a fellow Purdue mom I echo the above sentiments - going to Purdue as an econ major and planning on switching majors is really taking the hard route. If he wants to major in engineering he should go where he has an engineering acceptance! My D chose Purdue over Wisconsin but WI has a great engineering program, a strong business program and it’s in a totally cool town so yes, if he gets in there for engineering that’s a great choice. I don’t know enough about the programs at VT or UConn to comment on which fits his goals better.
I’m a little confused by that. Your son would graduate from UR with a B.S. in an engineering specialty if that’s his preference. But, just as importantly, I don’t think UR’s overall academic reputation should be under-regarded.
From your list and with your situation (regarding Purdue), I’d definitely head VT for their engineering reputation (at least in our area). I might only deviate to URoc if you were looking at BioMedical as I’m unsure of how VT is for that one. What specialty in engineering is he looking for?
Why an undergrad in engineering to branch out in a different direction?
We’re in PA and I have to admit I don’t know of anyone who went to Villanova for engineering. I’m sure students do, but it doesn’t hit our circles. Ours tend to stick with the powerhouses of VT or PSU, etc., but they also work as engineers. It’s not just a hobby.
URoch has a strong engineering program. If you look at rankings for engineering, it’s at 45. (Purdue and Wisconsin are higher but they may not be options). URoch also has a unique STEM MBA program: https://www.rochester.edu/newscenter/simon-school-mba-named-program-of-the-year-2018/ Honestly, any of those options are solid for engineering, so I’d say consider fit and cost at this point.
FWIW, VT is ranked higher for engineering too, though the previous post left that out. VT is #13. Purdue is #9. The two are very close.
https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/engineering-doctorate
I believe you looked at graduate department rankings, @taverngirl.
In any case, engineering majors remain common at UR, with 289 graduates in a recent year.
https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=Rochester&s=all&id=195030#programs
My daughter is a freshman at Nova studying chemical engineering and also is in the honors program. She chose Nova because she wanted a school by a city, Catholic school (service oriented) and the big name in sports. We also have two friends who children graduated from Nova’s chemical engineering program and have been quite successful. I often read on here that Nova is not up to par with other programs, but one thing that stands out to me is Nova does not weed out. The kids that start with engineering stick with it, 95 % of the kids that start with engineering graduate with an engineering degree.
She loves it there. There is a huge amount of building that has been going on there and will be finished this summer. Good luck with all your amazing options!! My son is looking at U of R, love that school!!
Regarding Wisconsin, it has a weed-out process that can require college GPA as high as 3.5 technical and 3.0 overall to stay in some engineering majors: https://www.engr.wisc.edu/academics/student-services/academic-advising/first-year-undergraduate-students/progression-requirements/
VT starts students in first year general engineering; declaring a major is automatic with a 3.0 college GPA, competitive if below 3.0: https://enge.vt.edu/content/dam/enge_vt_edu/undergraduate/coe_com.pdf
Thanks for your feedback! All very helpful. Creekland - engineering has always been viewed as a good foundational degree to have (test/proves your analytical rigour) if you want to later branch out into something else later as a postgrad. Not all engineers “build” technology. URoch is a great school - we were highly impressed - and perhaps a school he’d return to if he chose to go to led school later or get an mba. But putting his blinders on to getting an engineering degree in the next 4 years from a solid/well known/ranked engineering school with some social-school life balance is what he is looking for. He is grateful to be accepted to these schools - they are all great schools - the question is what would best meet his needs for the next 4 years. You have all been tremendous with your suggestions. Thank you!!!
@NHEngineerDad Thanks for the explanation. It’s definitely not one I’ve been familiar with within the crowds we know, so it’s good to know it’s out there. Our circle tends to be the working engineer world (H owns the company) and I teach math/science in our local high school. Kids from there who head engineering pretty much all want to be engineers. I can’t think of an exception. We’re in a semi-rural location (school-wise) so in other areas it makes sense that folks view things differently. The only people IRL I know who have engineering degrees, but aren’t engineers, teach. 
Both H and I are VT grads (my degree was Physics/Psych) and one son is a URoc grad (BCS/Bio) - definitely both are good schools. If you’re looking for an engineering major just as a foundation, I would think any of your choices could work well. If there’s something specific of interest, then it’s easier to hone in to one school being better than another based upon what they have going on.
If your son wants to do engineering and got rejected from Purdue, rule out Purdue. All of the other schools are great for engineering, what matters is whatever is the best fit for him and if he takes advantage of all the opportunities to be successful.
I grew up in Rochester. UR is an amazing school. The engineering program is outstanding. There is lots of diversity and it is a small school offering lots of smaller classes, there is less of a party scene and it is focused on academics. There is a lot to do in Rochester.
I don’t know much about Vtech or Villanova, but both are larger universities with big party scenes (especially VT). Both have good school spirit and good sports.
UConn is a large school as well but it is in Storrs and it’s pretty rural. There is still a big party scene, big school spirit, and a lot of sports.
Wisco is a large school but it’s in a city. There is a big party scene, big school spirit and lots of sports.
Consider size, social life, cost, and distance from home. Personally, if not too expensive, I’d lean towards Wisco and UR but you need to figure out what is the best fit. Tour the schools if you haven’t already.
When/if you visit VT, be sure to check out the Galileo living/learning community for engineers. A friend’s son is there and loves it. The collaborative, hands-on makerspace in the dorm makes me jealous.