I’m kind of panicking right now because I’m stuck between two schools (Wichita State and Colorado School of Mines) and the decision deadline is in 3 days. I’ve chosen to major in engineering and both schools have pretty good programs, but I’ll leave a list of pros and cons below.
MINES Pros: great location near the mountains and big city, highly ranked school, high chances of landing an internship, higher starting salary after graduation
Cons: will cost around $45k/year, cost of living is high, STEM only focused school, will have to take out a bunch of student loans
WICHITA STATE Pros: more affordable/will get reciprocity, good internship opportunities, well rounded school, less student loans
Cons: engineering programs aren’t as highly ranked, quieter city setting
The full cost to attend WSU is around $55k and Mines is around $160k with my scholarships. If money wasn’t an issue, I would choose Mines because I like the location and the school better, but I know that Wichita is a better choice financially. I know that I’ll be happy at either school, but I’m just wondering if anyone has any insight or advice? I would really appreciate it!
Engineering is very egalitarian. If you apply yourself and do well, you will have plenty of opportunities coming out of WSU. After your first job, it won’t matter where you went.
The debt will matter though. A delta of $105K is a LOT! If you have to leverage to make up the difference, it will take a long time to pay it off.
I love Mines - it’s a cool campus and as you head up into the mountains - but it’s a no brainer.
Also, Mines is a great school but ask 100 HR people from across the country and they won’t know it.
In engineering, you’ll find a gig. They really do less on campus recruiting now - job fairs when they’re back - but most find their jobs on indeed (or linkedin). My son is on an intern team this Summer with two Ga Tech kids and a U Houston…he goes to Alabama. So if you put forth the effort, you’ll find an internship - and then job.
Since ABET accredits engineering with the same curriculum, a Wichita State person is in theory as good as the Mines.
I think Mines is cool…unless you might want to drop engineering for a non-STEM or meet a girl…but I digress.
You don’t spend $105K when it puts you into debt. You take the cheaper but still not cheap route…I mean, it’s not like anyone just has $55K sitting around…
I agree with others that there will simply be too much debt. In an ideal world, Mines would be more affordable. That’s not an option. It will likely take 20 years or more to pay off that debt. That’s a LOT of money. It’s good news that you know you’ll be happy at WSU. Go forth and conquer.
This is not quite true. ABET uses broad terms to set minimum curriculum standards. That does not mean all curricula are the same. They aren’t. That said, ABET sets a pretty high bar.
I think the more important story that @tsbna44 alluded to is that it’s about what you do, not where you go.
The popularity of USNWR rankings has done a HUGE disservice for prospective engineers. There is no objective information used…none…zilch…nada. It’s based 100% on “institutional reputation.” It’s a self perpetuating scheme. Who really knows how different the undergraduate experience will be between institutions? Not many.
Fair point - and teaching methodologies are not always the same. Some have more rigor…or other tools such as UTKs Grand Challenges. I helped my son fill out internship apps - and the common thread was - they would only “hire” from ABET accredited schools - which would leave students at fine schools like Washington & Lee - in a quandry. My son is on a team this Summer (he goes to Alabama) with two kids from Ga Tech - who are also his roomies. That’s what i was trying to say - you can make it happen from anywhere. Thanks
