Hello all,
My name is Jonathan and I’m currently a high school senior struggling to make his final college decision. As you can tell from the title, I’ve narrowed down my choices between UCR and UCB, both of which I’ve been admitted for mechanical engineering.
My questions are, (1) In the field of Mechanical Engineering, is prestige more valuable than experience? And (2) Is the debt of a esteemed degree worth it?
Obviously UCB is more renowned than UCR, but that reputation comes with a steep price tag. Put simply, pursuing my bachelor’s degree at UCB would result in a debt of roughly 85k at the end of my four years. Not to mention I’d have to pay the atrocious Room and Board fees throughout my attendance. I’ve been told to think of said debt like a sort of investment, with the accomplishment of graduating from UCB carrying me through the job market. But I’m fearful that this all or nothing approach could result in me being left empty-handed and in debt.
Conversely, UCR has awarded me the Regent’s Scholarship which would actually result in me graduating with more money than I started with. I would be able to either dorm or live at home due to UCR’s proximity. With the lack of financial stress, I’m certain I would be able to participate in internships, projects, or activities outside of the classroom that would further my experience as an engineer. However, I’m also fearful that the lack of an Ivy-League degree will stymie my pursuits for a job after my graduation.
I would love to hear any insight from those of you who have shared a similar experience. This is a difficult decision that in the end I will make myself, but I’m extremely appreciative of any advice you would share.
Thank you,
Jonathan
This is a tough decision. There’s no denying the name recognition of Cal. But on the other hand there’s no denying the impact of $85K in debt and the need to figure out where the money is coming from. You can’t borrow it all on your own; the most you can borrow is $27K. After that you’ll need cosigners or loans in your parents name. So before you commit to Cal be sure they are on board.
UCR is an ABET acredited MechE program so you’ll be learning the same stuff you’d learn in any other program. There may differences in electives offered between Cal and UCR but the core program is going to be pretty similar. And you’ll have first-rate profs at UCR. Turns out there is a PhD glut so grads from very prestigious schools are teaching at far more schools than you might imagine. Look at the profiles under Faculty | Department of Mechanical Engineering
In the end the outcome is going to depend on what you do. How hard you work (and it’s more than many students expect; 6-10 hours per week per class for math/science/engineering doing homework and studying), if you look for internships, and to some extent participation in student activities and clubs related to engineering. This is true at either school.
Since you asked for advice, my choice centers around cost. If your parents could pay for most or all of college so you took on $20K or less in debt thru college, then I’d say Cal in a heartbeat. Since that doesn’t seem to be the case, unless you happen into a winning lottery ticket in the next few days then I’d say UCR is the better choice all things considered.
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Where do you want to work after graduation?
If you don’t have a burning desire to move to Norcal, then don’t go to Cal. It’s just not worth it. I say UCR wins here by a landslide! Not being in debt also gives you the opportunity to pursue grad school in the future without already being burdened financially.
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