<p>Hello Everyone (and thank you for contributions in advance),</p>
<p>I am having difficulties deciding between the following schools for Computer Engineering. I come from Illinois; however, I received scholarships from both Rose-Hulman and Miami OH that made tuition about equal, so cost does not matter too much. I plan on pursuing a Master's Degree after my Bachelors. Also, UIUC only accepted me into the Division of General Studies, so I would be required to transfer into the Engineering School (which I hope I can do with a 32 ACT and ~3.7 GPA in high school) as opposed to being directly admitted to Rose-Hulman's and Miami OH's programs which is a huge plus for me. I am currently leaning towards Rose-Hulman, but I want other people's opinions about environment, quality of education, graduate school potential, and job potential. Thank you all again for your time in advance. I will try my best to reply to any posts as quickly as possible.</p>
<p>I work with a lot of smart people from the Big 10 engineering schools and a few Rose graduates. The Rose grads are exceptional. No kidding. There are benefits to humongous schools but of you have a chance to do Rose for a low cost go for it. </p>
<p>The only advantage may be the more ‘global reach’ of a big state school like any of the Big 10’s. I went to Purdue so even in my native Elbonia everybody knows them, UIUC, Michigan, Wisc, etc. Rose is not as well known internationally by the masses but those who know engineering schools do know them.</p>
<p>After seeing how classes like Calculus are taught at the big schools vs small ones I’ll say there is an advantage there to smaller schools. If you;re comfortable taking Calc I with a class the size of a cruise ship then that also may not be an issue, my Rose friends did comment that small class size and profs teaching everything (in their days) was a big factor. Classes are small at the big schools as you advance thru the program and specialize tho.</p>
<p>Given how close the two (three actually) schools are you may want to visit both and see. Also use the usual criteria (which profs sound interesting, etc) to help you with your choice. Check with the school for grad school placement statistics, too. </p>
<p>It’s very difficult to transfer into engineering at UIUC. It can be done, and I knew people who have done it, but it isn’t easy, and very likely could end up adding time to the total time you end up spending there. Even as a UIUC alumnus, I’d still suggest that in this case you do Rose-Hulman.</p>
<p>I had ample opportunity for doing research as an undergrad. I am not completely familiar with what kind of research is available at RHIT, but it isn’t going to be as diverse or as plentiful as UIUC. Otherwise it’s really hard to say since I know RHIT by reputation.</p>
<p>Personally, I also really loved the big college atmosphere, but that’s not educational so much as personal preference.</p>