I’ve been admitted to both UIUC and University of Minnesota for Civil Engineering. Beyond rankings, which I know Illinois is known for within the civil engineering world, what are the advantages/disadvantages between the two? I’m an in-state student and each school is relatively the same price. I know that UIUC has many more requirements (like language, econ.) than Minnesota does, which kind of pushes me away. I plan on pursuing a career in Chicago, and starting salary is important. BTW, I absolutely loved Minnesota’s campus more than Illinois’, which is why the decision is so difficult.
Wow - congrats as you have two incredible choices. Both will supply you with boatloads of opportunities. I would just suggest you go with where you feel you would be more comfortable if the price is close. I am surprised the costs are close if you are in state for MN.
I would think though that UIUC does have a bit more recruiting into Chicago.
Oh yeah, sorry! I’m in-state for UIUC. And thank you @wayneandgarth for backing up U of M. I truly like the Twin Cities and the campus much more that Urbana-Champaign.
I’m also from Illinois but I chose Minnesota because I wanted to go far away from Illinois lol; but you can go to UMN and still get a job in Chicago, but they’ll probably lean towards U of I graduates. UMN isn’t as much of a party school as U of I is, and though the campus is secluded from the rest of cities, you sort of have to deal with it being in a metro area. But if you like the UMN campus then you should probably pick here.
My son has also been admitted to UIUC for civil and UMN (as well as Purdue). Based on campus visits and his big brother’s experience at UIUC (engineering-mechanics grad) he has decided to go to UMN.
I think both have very nice campuses but my younger son liked UMN better and the twin cities have much more to offer than Champaign/Urbana. As far as the environments all I can speak to is my oldest son’s experience at UIUC…he did not have good advisers and they changed every year, he had difficulty getting into the classes he needed, he was told he could switch to his first choice major as Soph. if he had a 3.5 - which he did but was then told no space available. He also felt there was an elitist attitude among administration, many professors, and some students and that overall UIUC was not a very student supportive environment. That being said he does feel he got a very good education.
@cubbie111 Oh I see…Thanks for your opinion. I also think Minneapolis is better than Urbana Champiagn.It has a lot more things to see in Minneapolis than in UC.