<p>I am a high school senior and I am planning to major in engineering, I am also going to run varsity track and cross country in college, but it will not be a career for me. I am a 4.0 student with a 33 ACT. I have narrowed my search to 2 schools: one being an expensive top-10 ranked engineering state school 4 hours away, the other is my home-state school that is ranked about 60th in engineering. If I attend my state school, I will pay nothing and can save my parent's money for grad school. If I attend the more prestigious out-of-state school, I will likely have some debt when I get my bachelor's. Also, I liked the athletic facilities, dorms, and social atmosphere at the in-state college more. Should I go to my in-state school for free, or the nationally renowned engineering school that will cost more? Basically what I am asking is, am I sacrificing my long-term career by going to a less prestigious school to save money for grad school? Any advice from engineers who understand what the job market and college life is like would be GREATLY appreciated!</p>
<p>Whichever one your heart desires! BTW, are you a senior next year or are you just late applying to colleges?</p>
<p>Although I’m not that knowledgeable on the subject, I’d say attending a more “prestigious” grad school matters more than undergrad – why sacrifice the $ when you can still get a great education for free? If you are at (or near) the top of your class at the in-state school, then I don’t think you’ll have an issue getting into a fantastic gad school.</p>
<p>I’m a senior. I have already applied and been excepted to both schools.</p>
<p>Go in-state. Every school no matter their ranking produces a couple great engineers. Make sure you’re one of them.</p>
<p>Like a poster mention above in many cases attending a prestigious graduate school may do more than a prestigious undergraduate school. Attend which ever school you whether study and live most of the next four years of your life.</p>