Upstate NY (Chemical) Engineering Schools?

College Search & Selection
1

Now that standardized testing is out of the way, I need to pick a university. I want to pursue chemical engineering (and also a minor/major in German, but engineering is a greater priority.) I currently have a list that follows:

Clarkson University
Rochester Institute of Technology
University of Rochester
SUNY Buffalo
Stony Brook University (not upstate, but much of my family went there. is furthest away)

I do prefer smaller universities, but a better program is more important. How would you guys compare these unis in terms of best engineering program? Chemical engineering preferably, if you are able to compare based on that.

2

http://main.abet.org/aps/accreditedprogramsearch.aspx

this link lets you search for ABET accredited engineering programs. You can search by engineering major and state.

3

Depending on your GPA and test scores, U Alabama might give you big merit.

4

Helpful site, however, I am looking to stay in-state. Fortunately for me, every university I listed was on that list.

If it matters, GPA: 4.0. SAT: 1430.

5

Is that the new SAT score? why wouldn’t you retest to get an equivalent to an ACT 32 to improve admission chances and possibly merit scholarships? If that is the new SAT, then that’s equivalent to an ACT 31.

What are your parents saying about how much they’ll pay each year?

Which schools are your financial safeties? …schools that you know that will accept you AND you know for SURE that all costs are covered?

6

Why are you not looking into Cornell?

7

Based on your stated criteria, Union, URochester and SUNY-Buffalo could each be excellent options. For engineering more specifically, the highly selective RPI as well as Clarkson would be schools to research. (RPI offers German through Union College.)

8

Do you qualify for NYS STEM initiative program? You could get free tuition to a SUNY.

https://www.hesc.ny.gov/pay-for-college/financial-aid/types-of-financial-aid/nys-grants-scholarships-awards/nys-science-technology-engineering-and-mathematics-stem-incentive-program.html

Also if you want to expand a bit geographically, Ohio State, U Cincinnati, U Akron might give you merit.

9

Instate won’t matter for private schools like RIT or URochester. There are plenty of great engineering programs just outside of NY

10

@mom2collegekids Realistically, getting the SAT equivalent of a 32 or higher would likely be difficult for me. On this SAT, I was aiming for at least a 1300, so the 1430 was a bit of a surprise.

Financial safety? Realistically, I will need aid for every college that isn’t a community college. How much the tuition is will only determine how much in debt I will be.

11

@Alexandre I didn’t consider any Ivy Leagues not only due to the scores needed but also the cost. Perhaps I could give Cornell a shot.

12

Scores needed? 1430 on the SAT and 4.0 GPA is within the range. Obviously, Cornell is a big reach, but there is no harm in applying. And Cornell usually meets demonstrated need, so there is a decent chance that they may offer you a solid FA package.

13

http://best-engineering-colleges.com/chemical-engineering/new-york

14

@snowbie, You can only borrow ~$5500/year. If your parents can’t pay much, you need to look for colleges that offer scholarships.

15

@austinmshauri oof… that hurts. My annual household income is around $40,000 per year. I think I might be better off looking into a SUNY school or something if unable to get a scholarship.

16

Here are schools with chemical engineering in New York:

City University of New York, City College
Clarkson University
Columbia University
Cooper Union
Cornell University
Manhattan College
New York University Tandon School of Engineering
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rochester Institute of Technology
State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Stony Brook University
Syracuse University
United States Military Academy
University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
University of Rochester

17

snowbie, with a family income in the $40k range, Cornell will likely be almost free for you to attend.

18

@Alexandre Really? Wow! I think I will definitely pay Carnell a visit soon.

19

Cornell is not unique. Most wealthy private universities have excellent, need-blind financial aid policies. If admitted, you should be able to afford attending with reasonable loans.

20

However, most of the wealthy private universities with good need based financial aid are also very difficult to get admitted to.