<p>1) In the real world, most hiring managers don’t care about MS/Phd’s in engineering. It is helpful for consulting or research, but not much else. Other than that, the only reason why a hiring manager would care about undergrad institution is if it’s his alma mater. In the real world, most hiring managers show huge bias towards alma maters. For example, if you had a Stanford bs and PhD from Cornell, a Stanford alum hiring manager would likely notice the bachelors degree. </p>
<p>2) Academic rigor for engineering is roughly the same across the board. In other words, if you can hack it at OSU, you can hack it at any Tier 1 university. The only difference is at Top 5 programs there are more highly-motivated students throwing off the curve. </p>
<p>3) I would wait until I had serious summer work experience + upper level classes before I decided on grad school. If you’re determined on grad school, then I would drop engineering double major (pick one) and get a math minor or major. Most grad students are shocked at how mathematical/theoretical engineering graduate work is – very different from undergrad, for good or bad. If money is not a problem, then I would transfer to best school near to the biggest, most relevant job market. Look at best employers–> look at feeder universities for those companies (typically top 10 universities located nearby) –> transfer to those schools. I would also stay away from nuclear engineering. Very limited job prospects.</p>