<p>I posted this question a few months ago and very much appreciate the responses. I am reposting it because I still just don't get it and I am in panic mode. I live in the Midwest. I received a scholarship to Purdue. I am interested in Chemical Eng. I visited Cockerill in Texas and fell in love with the school, the campus, the city. Everyone, and I mean Everyone, engineers, professors, my teachers, my family, my friends, are furious and puzzled as to why I would even consider Texas over Purdue. What am I missing? On all the lists, and I know you all don't put any weight in those, but Cockerill always beats out Purdue for Chem. Eng. So please, those in the field, what am I missing about Cockerill that will convince me Purdue is my obvious choice. Why does Purdue have name recognition and Cockerill not so much? Where can I go to find real facts about each program?</p>
<p>What is the cost difference for you?</p>
<p>You aren’t missing anything. Both are great programs. What noleguy33 said is the most relevant thing here. You seem to like Texas more, so you have to weigh that against the cost of attendance for each and see which is more advantageous for you. The two schools are very comparable, even if Purdue has the slightly stronger brand recognition for engineering.</p>
<p>If everyone you’ve talked to is from the Midwest, it may just be regional chauvinism. If you like Texas better, and it’s higher ranked, and you can afford it, the choice seems pretty straightforward. It can also be educational to go to school in a different part of the country than where you grew up.</p>
<p>thanks again. I plan on revisiting both during Springbreak and sitting in on classes to hopefully get a real feel for their programs.</p>
<p>Purdue vs Texas for EE was my choice 33 years ago. I chose Texas and never regretted my choice. Back then, I think Purdue was a stronger engineering choice, but Texas has continually improved since then. Texas has a much stronger academic reputation now. The weather is much better, and the social scene, extra curricular options much better in Austin. If money is not an issue, choose UT.</p>
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<p>Just to be clear to the OP, this line is in relation to Texas’ own standing 30 years ago, not in relation to Purdue. Texas probably beats out Purdue on the overall academic reputation but Purdue still has a slight edge in engineering.</p>
<p>Personally, I’d choose Austin over West Lafayette if I could afford it, especially as an undergraduate. The schools are pretty much a wash.</p>
<p>Purdue grad here - if all things are equal it is a good idea to attend school in a different area or culture just to see how the rest of the world works. The programs should be comparable in strength and while there is a huge regional affinity with Purdue in the Midwest and globally (name recognition) attending college in another part of the country adds a lot of value. </p>
<p>But again, all things equal. UT may be a bit harder to get in OOS than Purdue OOS.</p>
<p>Does the net price difference (if any) matter to you and your family?</p>
<p>It always comes down to MONEY aka Fin. aid, merit aid, scholarship, grants, etc. If you get full ride from UT then go for it. However, if you have to owe 15K per year or 60K for four years then you better think twice or else go to Purdue. Good luck.</p>
<p>If OP is OOS for both the price difference may not be much. </p>
<p>Another consideration is specialization and grad school or career plans. One school may be better than the other, for example for pharmaceutical stuff versus energy stuff.</p>