<p>Hello all! I am sort of at a cross roads here, I just received an AS in computer programming and analysis at a community college with a 3.9 GPA and looking to transfer to either USF or ERAU.</p>
<p>I was somewhat unfortunate in the fact that I was born into a relatively uneducated, low socioeconomic family so I have no way of loan cosigns or family help, it is all up to me. As such growing up poor has fostered an irrational fear of money and debt that I am trying to get over in this decision.</p>
<p>My long term goal is to become an engineer writing low level firmware and driver software of embedded systems for air and spacecraft, at least that is the dream! I have researched both schools and based on the curriculum USF offers a more focused education on embedded systems and FGPA architecture through elective courses while ERAU seems more general, though it offers courses specifically about aircraft computer engineering and systems.</p>
<p>The cost difference though is astronomical, currently I have guaranteed $5500 pell grant, and another need based $2000 grant from the state of Florida, that already covers a good portion of USF but only puts a bit of a dent into ERAU's cost.</p>
<p>Internships are also a big deal to me as I really want to intern at an aerospace company while completing school and naturally it seems like I would have a far better chance of being accepted to one as ERAU student since it has extremely close ties to that industry.</p>
<p>I'm just looking for some opinions on the matter, one school has close ties to the industry I dream of working in, and exposes me first hand to the type of work I want to do, but comes with a huge price tag that scares me. On the other I have a well respected research school that has reasonable cost, and a more focused general field I am interested in, but doesn't have any real ties or even offers courses in any kind of aerospace.</p>
<p>So please, help enlighten me in this decision! do you see any more pros or cons, have personal opinions, been in such a situation? etc.. </p>
<p>What would the net cost of each school be after non-loan financial aid? Remember that your ability to borrow without a co-signer is limited (and co-signed loans are not a great idea anyway).</p>
<p>USF’s computer science and engineering degree programs have a good selection of courses and ABET accreditation. ERAU is a specialty university, and that specialization shows in its selection of computer science and engineering courses. ERAU may be advantageous for aerospace industry recruiting, but disadvantageous for other industry sectors.</p>
<p>Full-Time Tuition and Fees $5,800
Room/Board $9,190
Books/Supplies $1,000
Other Expenses $4,100</p>
<p>Total: $20,090
After financial aid: $12,590 (could be a few thousand cheaper, see below)</p>
<p>(There are also studio apartments 0.5 miles away from the campus for only $495 per month that I was looking into instead of the standard dorm to save a few thousand.)</p>
<p>ERAU</p>
<p>Tuition and Fees* $30,720
Room and Board $9,340
Books (estimated) $1,400</p>
<p>Total, non-flight students** $41,160
After financial aid: $33,660</p>
<p>Both of these reflect 2 semesters at 12-16 credits.</p>
<p>Exactly what I’ve been thinking, but did not want to miss out on the opportunities ERAU offers to get me closer to my dream goal.</p>
<p>Though at a cost of being in debt $67,320 vs $25,180 I think I’m just going to work extremely hard, try to get involved in some research at USF and attempt to break into the aerospace industry on my own.</p>
<p>USF is your most intelligent choice. In order to get the experience you want and an intro into the industry you prefer, find out what clubs are at USF that are related to aerospace and join them. Especially focus on clubs that compete in national aerospace related engineering competitions. If there are none, create one. Also, network with and attend meetings of industry professional societies. Find teachers on campus that have aero experience and build relationships. Start looking for internships in industry now. You can get EVERYTHING that ERAU can offer if you just hustle a little and network. Best of luck.</p>
<p>ERAU would be a great option if you can somehow manage to get your tuition costs partially (or completely) subsidized by family or scholarships. Their engineering programs are well-regarded, but the cost is understandably an issue for some people. The primary advantages you would have going here instead of USF are: Smaller class sizes, Professor taught classes (rather than TA’s), Excellent professors (many from top 10 schools), Excellent engineering facilities, and a uniquely tight-knit student body.</p>
<p>That being said, you can get a great education at many schools, and USF is no exception in this case.</p>
<p>Several of my friends go to this school, and none of them have reported anything more than mediocre.<br>
In general, from personal experience, I really must say that unless there is a particularly good reason (i.e. full ride, guaranteed entry to graduate school, or guaranteed job at the end) do not go to a private university.<br>
As far as engineering goes, especially Electrical and Computer Engineering, the state schools have had a huge boost in recent years from large amounts of state and federal funds designed to invigorate public postsecondary programs. Bottom line, these schools get a huge (please note: HUGE) boost over any private institution outside the Ivy’s.<br>
Another reason has to do with the fact that all you really need to effectively teach Computer Engineering is a computer and some electronic equipment which is not terribly expensive. What this means is, that at the undergrad level, private again has no advantage over public. </p>
<p>And third, public institutions are much cheaper. Don’t blow your cash, or worse take out loans, for something like Embry Riddle. </p>
<p>Sources: Primary Source from Students; engineer with electrical and advanced computer engineering experience.</p>