I’m a senior in high school (class of 2018) and I’m looking to attend either CU Boulder or Colorado School of mines. I’ve already been accepted to the College of Engineering (undecided option) at CU. As of right now, I have a three year AD scholarship from Army ROTC to Colorado School of Mines, but it doesn’t seem like it would be a problem to request a transfer over to CU because they share the same battalion (I hope). I’m also waiting to hear back from Navy ROTC at CU, and their decision should come out by the end of April at the latest. If I’m really serious about ROTC, I would like to pursue aviation in either Army or Navy, considering the chance I get the Navy scholarship (Rotorcraft pilot in Army and Aircraft pilot in Navy). I’m thinking I would like to major in either ME at Mines or Aerospace at CU (especially since CU is known for their Aerospace program).
My point in writing this is because I would like some input on what the ROTC program is like at CU and Mines. Is there any benefit in the Army ROTC program at Mines vs. CU? Would one of these schools serve to my benefit in becoming a pilot over the other? Right now I’m very stuck in my decision between these two schools, and time is running out.
I have friends who are in Army and Navy ROTC at CU Boulder. They seem to really like the program and their CU education. One of my close friends in Navy ROTC was on track to be an aircraft pilot. In my opinion, Aerospace at CU Boulder would be best long term. CU Boulder is also quickly becoming more competitive than schools like Mines. One freshman I know chose CU over MIT. Boulder is also a way better college town with much more to do. You will also meet way more people at CU Boulder which will help you grow your network much more than would be possible at Mines.
Mines offers smaller class sizes, in mechanical engineering than CU Boulder does. Mines has tenured teachers, and Boulder has broader research scientists in many different fields. Mines is much more focused on building skills for the aerospace industry and oil and gas industry. Often aerospace firms, like Lockheed Martin, prefer the mathematical skills of Mines students, but you can get those skills by taking the harder math classes at CU.
As I pilot you will have to understand electrical systems and mechanical systems, so take some electrical engineering classes. Aerospace is more about fluid flow, air foil design, and is a more specialized degree. Also CU Boulder is more focused on space related systems than aircraft. I would go with mechanical or electrical engineering at either school to keep your career options more open. Visit Golden and Boulder and pick your favorite. You can always get a masters degree in aerospace if you need that but also ask the Army what major they prefer, since you are going to be working for them for a long time. Ask the Army what options you will have with each major you consider and then pick a major.