Hello! I’d like some honest opinions of the SCU Engineering program.
My son is senior in a Washington state high school and is really wanting to go to California to college. My husband and him recently went down and toured Santa Clara University and REALLY liked it! We like that it has small class sizes and that classes are taught by PhDs. Cost is not too much of a concern thanks to GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program.
I grew up in the Silicon Valley and my husband attended SJSU (even though he is from Southern California) so we are very familiar with the area. And I’m going to be entirely honest here - my father, who is an EE and very stuck in his ways, does not think highly of SCU for their engineering program. Now please keep in mind that my father is older and worked from the late 70s to early 90s at Fairchild Semiconducter. So, much of what he goes off of is what he knew of the college from a time long ago. He says it’s a good law school and that’s all. I really hope I’m not offending anyone here - heck, we’re leaning towards sending our son here! So, we obviously don’t feel the same as my dad. But I just wanted to get some honest feedback…maybe from someone who regularly hires new engineers or is just in the know! Any feedback is greatly appreciated!
The school has come a long way over the years. Engineering is ABET accredited. That’s really important. It is also located at the nexus point of big tech and tech start up. It’s a beautiful school. And you like it.
Your dad obviously knows his field, no disrespect. But he’s not attending and things do change over time.
@ucbalumnus knows a lot more about Cal schools and engineering than almost anyone. Me for sure.
Also @retiredfarmer is an engineering school, topic expert.
Location is very near the San Jose airport, but not in the flight path. It is also near lots of computer companies, so getting to interviews at those computer companies does not involve a flight. Those who want a smaller and somewhat Catholic (Jesuit) school may find it more attractive than many big publics. There are about 5,500 undergraduates, with between 15-20% studying engineering.
However, it may not get that much attention from many students because its financial aid is not very good, as can be seen in its net price calculator. Only about 11% of undergraduates get Pell grants (lower half of household income), probably because most from low income families cannot afford it.
The U.S. might offer somewhat over 100 colleges that could be considered excellent for engineering (though areas of particular strength vary). SCU seems, quite credibly, to belong in this group.
My husband is an EE/PE. DD graduated with a bioengineering degree from SCU. My husband was quite impressed with her program, and the faculty he met…and the facilities.
Thank you everyone for the feedback! He was accepted to SCU! We’re still waiting to hear back from some UCs, Cal Poly and a few other schools. I really appreciate your feedback!