<p>Which one would you pick?</p>
<p>Assume they would both cost the same, or within 2 thousand dollars of each other.</p>
<p>Which would you consider the better option for a student who enjoys both physics and engineering, but isn't sure which they prefer yet?</p>
<p>Chicago does not offer engineering (except for the new molecular engineering program).
UIUC offers both. Its engineering programs are highly regarded at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. As for physics, it’s hard to get objective information to compare specific undergraduate programs in this and most other arts & science fields. Chicago will offer smaller classes on average and is a much more selective school. </p>
<p>Have you visited both campuses while school is in session? They are different enough in size and atmosphere that most students probably would not find both of them equally appealing. There are many other good options for both engineering and physics (including schools with strengths in both).</p>
<p>What do you want to do in life? The career opportunities will likely be very different.</p>
<p>Take note that engineering and physics are two different fields. Physicists can’t and don’t do what engineers do. So, you have to establish first which field you like the most between the two.
When it comes to the respectability of the programs, I think they are equal. UIUC’s engineering is prestigious and respected worldwide. But so is the physics program at Chicago, so I would say they’re even when it comes to respectability and prestige. However, I think engineering grads at UIUC make more right out of college than Chicago physics grads do, simply because engineers make more, on average and in general. </p>