<p>I'm currently trying to decide on which schools I should concentrate on for a undergraduate major in Aerospace. There are of course the state universities such as University of Florida, Florida State, South Florida, Central Florida, etc. However there are also some other choices, such as Embry-Riddle Aeronautical, Florida Institute of Technology and so on. I'm only concerned with the academic aspects of the schools, and of course how their Aerospace programs stack up with one another.</p>
<p>Which universities rank the highest, which offer easier admissions, which is best overall in Aerospace. As for my post-graduate goals, I plan on joining the Air Force. So a nice Air Force ROTC program would be a valued plus. I've thought of the USAF Academy, but I think that might be to competitive for me, admission wise.</p>
<p>If you really want aerospace or astronautics, then UF is the clear choice. If you are more interested in aeronautics, and flight school in particular, then ERAU is what you want. UCF would be a good back-up to the UF option.</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies, I was thinking something like: UF > UCF > ERAU and so on. UF Would be nice but that school seems more selective then the others, correct me if I’m wrong.</p>
<p>If Air Force is your goal, you should do some research into the AFROTC programs at the universities you are interested in. Call the schools and talk to the Officers in the ROTC dept. A school strong in your academic major is imp. but if AFROTC is your goal then that should also be an important part of your decision.</p>
<p>UCF is signifcantly more selective than ERAU. These schools would not be commonly cross-shopped for aerospace engineering. Think UCF for engineering and ERAU for flight instruction with a foundation in aeronautical science.</p>
<p>Thanks again for all the responses. ERAU has one of the largest AFROTC programs according to the detachments website. My only worry with ERAU is the cost is higher, and I come from a low income family. Sad as it is to admit, I’ll need a lot of financial aid support.</p>
<p>Yeah, I agree with rogracer. UCF is harder to get into. ERAU is a lot different though, most of their students aren’t from Florida whereas the vast majority of UCF students are local.</p>
<p>Well ERAU and UCF both have good ROTC programs, so I think I’ll focus on applying to these schools. I’ll setup a tour for both and see which feels more right, I’ll apply to both anyways. AFROTC has scholorships, which might help with the higher cost of ERAU. I’ll still keep UF and FSU on the back burners though. No harm in applying to as many as I can, correct me if I’m wrong on that.</p>
<p>You have a good plan. Be advised, though, that FSU does not offer aerospace. You would have to study MechE…which is actually a good option at the undergrad level for general preparation for working in aerospace. If you decide to do that, you should also add USF as another fall-back option.</p>
<p>I’d like to go to UF don’t get me wrong. The only major Issue is I have a GED not a diploma. Some family income issues during my families separation placed a very high need on me to work at a young age. Things have gotten better but now I have to pay the price for that choice.</p>
<p>So I think UCF might be what I can realistically get into.</p>