<p>THis is for engineering (probably mechanical). I know MIT is considered the best engineering school but it comes down to $$ as we can get in-state for UVA making it a whole lot more affordable . The rest would need to be student loans. Is it worth it?</p>
<p>We figure the research opportunities are more at MIT. But the work load there is more extreme (is that true?) and would there me time. </p>
<p>First choice was Cornell, but on waiting list. Again, $$ would be a concern.</p>
<p>In terms of academic prestige and offerings: MIT > Cornell >>> UVa. In fact, in-state, Virgina Tech. has the stronger reputation for engineering disciplines, except biomedical engineering.</p>
<p>So does your question come down to this: Is a MIT engineering degree $110,000 better than a UVa engineering degree? (keep in mind that the Boston area also has a much higher cost of living, so day to day expenses will also be higher).</p>
<p>Alternatively, Is a UVa engineering bachelors degree AND a masters degree from a top engineering school worth more than a MIT bachelors degree, for the same total price? Once the question is asked that way, I believe the answer may be easier.</p>
<p>I don’t know if UVA undergrad plus grad school is worth more than a bachelors from MIT.<br>
UVA said that the only engineer that needs a masters is structural. But maybe it’s needed for mgmt.?</p>
<p>What do you think</p>
<p>The opportunities afforded an MIT engineering graduate are numerous and lifelong–a completely different class.</p>
<p>I believe there are some online calculators to show how much your monthly payments would be if you take out different amounts of student loan debt. The first $24,000 for most people (over 4 years) can be federally subsidized debt and therefore is usually not that painful after graduation, assuming you have a useful quality degree. However, if you need to take out larger amounts of debt that is not federally subsidized, the monthly costs rapidly multiply.</p>
<p>I feel like the question isn’t that clear. MIT is usually very, very good with financial aid. Are you saying you received only loans from MIT? How much is the family willing to pay for undergrad?</p>
<p>The opportunities at MIT for research are unparalled. I should know, I went there for a bit. And for engineering, the education and recruiting for MIT engineers is absolutely amazing. I have many friends there and they aren’t having any problems finding jobs or internships - they’re only juniors (soon to be seniors) and already getting job offers. Obviously I don’t have experience with UVa in this area, but I’d venture to guess that MIT outpaces UVa in engineering, undergrad research opportunities (all MIT undergrads can easily find research and get paid to do it – look into the UROP program), and name recognition/recruiting when it comes to finding a job down the line. If your son/daughter is absolutely sure engineering is what they want, I’d work hard to make MIT affordable for your family. And be sure to stay in contact with the financial aid office - often they’ll negotiate with you.</p>
<p>If you are covering your entire education in student loans, absolutely not. That would be over $200,000 in debt. No college is worth even $80,000 in debt, not even MIT. UVA will provide a fine education at a much cheaper price, give you plenty of research opportunities, and will open up doors to the finest graduate schools in the nation if you work hard. Going to MIT is a true privilege and puts you in a certain class for the rest of your life. With that being said, An MIT BS graduate might get a job easier than a UVA graduate, but its not as if that typical MIT degree is earning them an extra $100,000 a year over the UVA grad. After all, it’s the same degree and in the end actual skill in and knowledge of your field will play the biggest role. The loans would also make the price of graduate school pretty unfeasible, which you may find that you want to do down the road. My father has been an aerospace engineer for thirty years, and his company employs a lot of MIT graduates. While their applications are probably moved to the top of the pile, those grads aren’t making any more money than my father who attended a small, non-prestigious university.</p>
<p>I would first contact MIT and try to get the aid sorted out. If he could attend for a fair price, it’s clearly a no brainer.</p>
<p>Sd55parent "I don’t know if UVA undergrad plus grad school is worth more than a bachelors from MIT.
UVA said that the only engineer that needs a masters is structural. But maybe it’s needed for mgmt.?</p>
<p>A UVA undergrad engineering degree + a masters from another university (e.g., MIT) would be worth more than a BS from MIT. Whether you need a masters or Phd will depend upon the type of work. If you want to do research at a company then you will need more than a BS to be competitive. An MS in engineering isn’t usually a consideration to enter management.</p>
<p>…Is this for real</p>
<p>Dude, go to MIT, what are you even thinking about.</p>