<p>I have received admits to the MS programs in Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech, UPenn and University of Washington.</p>
<p>I am interested in Controls, Mechatronics and Robotics.</p>
<p>I am trying to decide which university to attend based on the quality of their programs in this field and job prospects in Mechanical Engineering upon graduating.</p>
<p>Virginia Tech has a good program and is less expensive, but is not near a major city. I'd like to know if jobs are very hard to find due to this.</p>
<p>UPenn has an excellent program, but is expensive and for some reason not so highly ranked. I'd like to know about the job prospects for Mechanical Engineering and if "Ivy league" has any importance in this. Does the business school overshadow the engineering program?</p>
<p>University of Washington doesn't have as good a program as the other two, but it is in Seattle, which I am told greatly increases job prospects.</p>
<p>I'd appreciate any inputs to help me make a decision.</p>
<p>One of my kids went to Virginia Tech in engineering. Being in Blacksburg would not hinder you at all in getting a job (and Blacksburg is a very nice college town). There is a major Engineering Expo every year with well over 100 employers present. There is lots of ongrounds interviewing. If you go to VT’s Career Services site, you can see where mechanical engineers are being hired (and it is all over). Click on Post Grad survey on the left. This is for undergrad but it will give you an idea. <a href=“https://www.career.vt.edu/”>https://www.career.vt.edu/</a> I believe VT is doing some research currently with robotics. You have 3 great choices. Good luck with the decision.</p>
<p>the ivies arn’t known as much for there undergrad engineering programs and I would say VT is best bet especially cause its significantly cheaper and highest ranked. UWash does have Boeing in its backyard which is one of the most ideal places to work for engineering but Virginia Tech is still amazing. </p>