I’ve been accepted to University of South Carolina, Rutgers and University of Maryland for Aerospace Engineering. I’d love insight on pros/cons and I’m especially interested in co-ops, internships and job offers for graduates for each school.
I’m not as familiar with Rutgers’ or Maryland’s programs to be honest. That said, DC is the base for several large aerospace businesses: Lockheed Martin, Boeing, General Dynamics, Northrup Grumman and of course the Air Force. Most of the work is going to be defense-related since that forms the largest part of their business.
South Carolina has a smaller footprint, but it is all geared toward commercial aviation. USC is close to the headquarters (Charlotte) and engine facilities (Charleston) of United Technologies’ Collins Aerospace and the engine facility of Pratt & Whitney (over the border Georgia). Of course Boeing’s Dreamliner is also built in North Charleston, meaning the area is loaded with suppliers.
Aerospace engineering is small field, so you should be in high demand regardless of where you go. I have friends that went to Michigan and UCF that ended up in Seattle and LA, others that went to Georgia Tech who ended up in the UK. South Carolina has put a huge emphasis on aerospace and the McNAIR Center, so you would be a rockstar on campus and have access to research as an undergraduate. If that’s what you’re looking to do, South Carolina would be a great option.