Rutgers engineering vs University of Maryland engineering

My son was excepted to the engineering schools for RUTGERS and the University of Maryland. The latter is ranked higher but RUTGERS is more affordable because it’s in-state. Any thoughts and experience with the two programs? I have visited both schools and found the programs impressive. I still can’t understand the negative stigma associated with RUTGERS when it has so much to offer.

I would like to change the wording of my question. My son explored both universities and RUTGERS Engineering has a solid program comparable to Universty of Maryland and Penn State. Rankings are taken with a grain of salt but the three are fairly close. What irks me is how some residents of NJ underrate their own universities. Where’s our pride? We have a state with some of the most exceptional students and intelligent teachers. We are leaders in industry and have the most diverse population. We have access to the city, culture and the smartest people!

My son is graduating Rutgers SOE this spring after a successful 4 years. Deans list, Chi Epsilon Honor Society, internship leading to full time for a local Jersey Shore engineering firm. The career fairs are abundant. You can’t go wrong at RU. That said, my neighbor…now in his 80’s is a Maryland Engineering grad, had a very successful career and loves his alma mater. My son always has and always will bleed scarlet. Good luck to your son!

If its not Top 10 Colleges, don’t waste your money by going out of state esp if its Respectable Rutgers! Two years after graduation no one asks where you graduated from! It all evens out!