I was accepted by both SJSU and UCD for Mechanical Engineering, and I am having trouble in making choice between these two. My family is not rich,if I choose UCD, I can barely afford the tuition. And I am going to join the workplace as soon as I get my BSME, and work for my MS later in my life. On one hand, UCD definitely has a higher ranking than SJSU, and the mechanical engineering program of UCD is also highly ranked. On the other hand, the SJSU is famcous of its strong engineering department, high post-graduation salary and high employment rate for graduates. So, as an Mechanical Engineering and trying to find a Mechanical Engineering job after getting my MS, which school should I pick?
Also, would the MS from UCD be considered more reputable than a MS from SUSJ in the mechanical engineering field?
Go where you can afford…that means SJSU. Rankings don’t mean anything if you’re struggling under debt. You said yourself that SJSU has a strong engineering department and employment rate for graduates. UCD may be higher up in US News Rankings but it is not feasible for you and your family. SJSU wins out.
I didn’t mean I cannot afford UCD, but life would be a litte bit tougher if i choose UCD, and I was trying to know which shcool can give me better career opportunity.
You said you can barely afford the tuition at UCD. Don’t make things tougher for yourself–make them easier!
Go with SJSU, much cheaper than a UC.
@TheDidactic If a shcool can help me to build a better future, I will go for it even if my life would be a little bit tougher for now
The name of a school does not determine your future…YOU DETERMINE YOUR FUTURE. There are plenty of people that choose the cheaper school over a more prestigious school every day. Prestige does not determine or guarantee anything. The weight of a name means nothing. I can lead a horse to water but I can’t make it drink. If you want to make your life and the life of your parents more difficult by going to UCD, then that’s your choice. But there is nothing WRONG with SJSU or its engineering department.
I assume that you’re instate. If not then ignore my post. Also I’ll assume that you will not commute and live at home if you choose SJSU.
In the grand scheme of things and especially for STEM professions the difference in tuition between SJSU and UCD is relatively small (a delta of 7000 per year). You can easily make up for that difference in a year or two post graduation.
In terms of your college experience and in terms of your post graduation opportunities UCD is by far the better choice. Go there.