Currently, I am accepted to both Madison and Twin Cities for the College of Engineering. I am having a hard time deciding between the two. I live in Wisconsin, and through scholarships Madison will be significantly cheaper. I toured Minnesota and loved the campus. I’m hoping to study Mechanical Engineering with a focus in Aerospace. I would appreciate any help with pros/cons of either or both schools. Thank you.
Looks like Wisconsin requires a 3.2 technical GPA and 3.0 overall GPA to get into the ME major:
http://www.engr.wisc.edu/cmsdocuments/First-year_GPA_requirements_to_accompany_GCR15.pdf
Minnesota requires a 3.2 technical GPA to be assured admission to the ME or AE major; those with lower GPAs may be admitted on a space-available basis:
https://cse.umn.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/MechEng.pdf
https://cse.umn.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/AeroEng.pdf
Threshold GPAs may change in the future.
It’s a wash because both of these schools are excellent for the traditional engineering disciplines. Take UCBalumnus’ advice and find out which school offers the most direct path to the ME major.
They are both great schools. Have you toured Madison yet?
Don’t you get instate reciprocity at UMN (for costs), so that both should be comparable in cost?
Is there a chance more merit aid is forthcoming at either one?
Choose UMN if you wish to attend a gigantic university in a city, with everything that means for internships and entertainment venues - but keep in mind many will be closed to you until you’re 21. Choose UWisconsin if you want to live in a college town. (In my opinion, the best moment to experience a college town is…; ) surprise: when you’re in college!) Madison is considered one of the best college towns in the country, lots of things to do, very walkable. Minneapolis/St Paul is one of the most dynamic cities in the US. There’s no difference in terms of cold and weather.
All in all, it’s really a wash and depends on what you like.
Only exception: if you intend to major in ChemE: UMN is world-class in that specific subject.
Note: Minnesota is upping its investment in higher education, and, as you know, Governor Walker has indicated that Wisconsin doesn’t need a world-class university to justify budget cuts.