I am currently choosing between the two and the major I am wanting to study is mechanical engineering. Cost is not an issue and neither is its size. I am wondering more when it comes to companies coming and recruiting. Which one of the two universities has an advantage when it comes to recruiting and getting internships, co-ops, jobs, etc.? And also when it comes to overall student life, dorms, social life, etc., which advantages does each university have?
Academically there is probably little difference. One advantage of Michigan is that you could stay in the Detroit/Ann Arbor area for co-ops/internships, while at Cornell there would be a greater probability of having to travel out the area for such things. However, both schools have excellent placements, and if the costs are the same, pick whichever seems to offer a better fit.