<p>Hello,</p>
<p>How good is the college of engineering within Villanova?
I love the school and pretty much everything about it.
However my issue is that I'm not entirely sure how reputable its engineering program is and how successful graduate students have been with finding jobs.
In my mind think its the perfect program because I would have the opportunity for undergraduate research, a 5yr combined BS/Ms program, as well as many other opportunities for minors that I find interesting.
Civil Engineering (structural) is my intended major, although at Villanova I have a year to test out other engineering majors (a plus in my mind).</p>
<p>The decision is very difficult for me because in addition to being accepted to Engineering at Nova I also got into the civil engineering program at University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. I'm aware of the #2 ranking UIUC has for civil engineering and the superb facilities they have.
I have already visited both schools (will be going back again) and I can definitely say that I would fit in better with smaller school atmosphere at Nova instead of just being a number as many claim at Illinois.</p>
<p>Any insight anyone might have on Villanova or why they believe one school is superior to the other would be appreciated.</p>
<p>I know the last thing you want is another variable, but what about cost of attendance? How much more expensive is one than the other and have your parents assured you that they can pay whatever each school asks of them?</p>
<p>Yes, cost is not a major factor although any merit based scholarships would be nice!</p>
<p>you’re not helping us much here, OP. so are we to understand that you’ve been accepted at both schools but haven’t yet heard whether or not you’ve received any merit? if so, can you help us determine the likelihood of merit at either school: what are your GPA, CR+M, ECs?</p>
<p>on the surface, Villanova is the school for you because you like so much about it and the only thing you like about UICU is that it’s ranked #2 for CE. But the degree to which money is an issue is important. Your residency is important. Give us specifics so we can stop asking YOU questions.</p>
<p>Illinois obviously has an outstanding engineering program, but it is the classic large, impersonal public university. </p>
<p>Villanova engineering doesn’t carry the same kind of heavy reputation, but it’s just fine. First, all of Villanova’s engineering programs (chemical, civil, electrical & computer, mechanical) are ABET-accredited. Many people say that’s all you need. But on top of that, Villanova enjoys a favorable reputation among smaller engineering programs. US News ranks it #13 nationally among engineering programs where the doctoral degree is not awarded. I’d imagine Villanova doesn’t get as many national recruiters as Illinois does, but its grads probably do quite well with regional employers in the Northeast. Villanova’s career center claims 77% of Villanova’s 2012 engineering grads are employed full time with an average starting salary of $60,000, and another 20% are in grad school full time. That’s a pretty strong track record.</p>
<p>I could certainly see someone choosing Villanova over Illinois for the smaller-school, close-knit atmosphere. Academically and professionally, I don’t think you’d be sacrificing that much.</p>
<p>Are you worried that 'nova eng’g won’t be “good enough”? Don’t worry about that. It’s accredited and certainly a fine program. Without even looking at their numbers I can safely guess that their grads find well-paying eng’g jobs…companies are very likely pleased with their 'nova new-hires.</p>
<p>Eng’g isn’t some unique major that is hard for a well-established univ to have a good program.</p>
<p>@bclinton great, thanks for all the information. Definetly feel better about choosing Nova </p>
<p>@mom2 Yes, that’s exactly what I was worried about. Thanks!</p>