UIUC or Purdue - Engineering

College Search & Selection
1

I got accepted into material science and engineering at both Purdue and UIUC and they are so similar, it is hard to decide.

From looking online, I think I like the environment more at UIUC since it seems brighter and nicer than Purdue’s. Also, UIUC tends to be ranked higher in engineering, but Purdue’s name seems to be known more. However, Purdue is 10k cheaper, although that is not that big of a concern.

Thoughts on what I should do? Also, does anyone have any insight into the programs at both of the schools? Not planning on switching majors, but which school would be easier to switch between chemE, chem, and MSE?

2

Flip of a coin. Which campus do you like better? Also when one program is rated 6 and the other 9… Rank doesn’t count. Both are national brands for engineering. Same companies except local regional ones will be at both campuses. To me this is a fit and feel question.

2 Likes
3

Totally agree that these are very, very similar schools.

I can’t speak for UIUC, but it’s very easy to switch majors within the COE at Purdue. And you don’t transition to your actual major until the end of freshman year so you have time to decide on your major. Shifting to COS from engineering for chemistry is straight forward as well.

I have a junior chem e at purdue who is doing her tech electives in MSE. If you have any Purdue specific questions I am happy to answer any questions you may have.

We’ve been super, super impressed with our D’s entire experience at Purdue. Great professors, tons of academic support, very collaborative environment and career services are second to none. She’s opted to do a three term co-op and is finishing her second rotation today. She worked for the university her first summer in honor engineering after going abroad for “Maymester”, and this summer is doing an internship with an international chemical company.

Personally, I’d save your parents the $10K/year and Boiler Up ; )

1 Like
4

From a “rating” or “reputation” standpoint, it’s a wash. Their ratings flip-flop based on the source and are close enough that differences are meaningless.

So it comes down to finances and fit. Unfortunately, if you weren’t able to visit the campuses, this can be quite difficult. Getting a feel for a place is tough from brochures and web sites.

I can say that my daughter will be graduating as a MechE in a few weeks, has had a great four years, and accepted a full-time job in November. But I’m sure UIUC has many satisfied students as well.

With all else being equal, it’s hard to turn down a $10k (per year, so $40k total?) savings.

5

Purdue: first year engineering students apply to their majors after completing some college course work. 3.2 college GPA automatically admits to major, otherwise competitive (apparently not that competitive for most engineering majors, but the school has not been transparent about past admission GPAs). Transition to Major - School of Engineering Education - Purdue University and Enrollment Management Policy for FYE Students - College of Engineering - Purdue University

UIUC: if you were directly admitted to the MSE major, then you can stay in the major. Changing to chemical engineering is described at On-Campus Transfer to SCS Majors | School of Chemical Sciences at Illinois . Changing major to popular majors can be difficult at UIUC due to many majors being filled to capacity by direct admission (e.g. ME and CS require a 3.75 college GPA just to enter a competitive admission process).