<p>I have a feeling that various engineering disciplines are weighed differently with different schools across the country. My major is Petroleum engineering and I am troubled whether to go to TAMU or CSM for Petroleum engineering (both prestigious and costly schools for out-of-state students) versus something like New Mexico Tech or UAF which I would be paying approximately in-state tuition for; thanks to WUE. The graduation rate at CSM is ridiculous, averaging about 6 years for petroleum engineering while UAF is likely to be only about 2 years after I transfer. Since I am only going for my bachelors, does the university of choice really limit opportunity in the field of petroleum engineering? Isn't it better to focus on getting into the workforce as fast as possible, gain experience, and disregard the prestige attached to a school. The degree plans at all schools are all nearly identical. I have researched just about everything on the internet regarding these factors and have gotten little information. Perhaps my fellow engineers can enlighten me. Thanks.</p>
<p>What are the placement rates for their PetE’s. If they are good…then why pay all the extra cash for a job that pays the same?</p>
<p>Exactly, in fact, because of the location of alaska the UAF PetE graduates have a higher starting salary than TAMUs. Is this because noone wants to work in Alaska? I think living in Alaska would be one hell of an experience and I am up for it but people are discouraging when I choose that school instead of TAMU or Colorado.</p>
<p>Employment out of UAF is pretty much 100% for PetE’s</p>
<p>Forget them. Go with logic. I would kill to live in Alaska. Plus, there is a lot of oil up there, so you are/would be just as local as Texas to the business.</p>
<p>When i talked to admissions counselor i asked them the exact same quention. They said, of cause there are differences in the program and some programs that are better. But honestly they all educate and prepare the students for their Jobs the same way. I got told that the Name of a good school might get you a better first Job but after you gain experience then nobody cares at all to what school you went too.</p>
<p>Alright, I just don’t want to be all of a sudden be limited in my job prospects because I chose UAF over the top Petroleum Engineering school. I am planning to be the top of my class when I graduate so I will let you know in about 3 years how it turns out :]</p>
<p>You’re going to be riding the oil price/production roller coaster either way. I wouldn’t pay significantly more vs. UAF or NMT if you are sure about petroleum engineering.</p>
<p>I know the costs vs the benefits as anyone should when investing their time and money. Just look at any other major and they all have their “roller coasters”. If worst comes to worst when I graduate, I’ll just get my masters in another field. No biggie.</p>