VA Tech versus NC State for Engineering

[Anonymous]

My DS is trying to decide between these two schools. He's Asian, from northern VA (FCPS), likes sports and the outdoors. plays tennis and basketball. He got into the Honors Program at both schools, the cost would be about the same (with a small merit aid award granted from NC State), and the travel distance is also about the same. NC State is ranked slightly higher than VT for engineering, but does that really matter much? Probably not.

Should he just decide based on his perceived "campus vibe"? Any other factors he should be considering?

[Anonymous]

Congratulations to your son! Both very good choices. I would go by campus vibe and cost. Do you sharing his stats? I have a son who is interested in both schools as well.

[Anonymous]

I had the same choice years ago. Both are still excellent schools and are a great value (what you get for what you pay). For me, it came down to -- a wind-swept Drill Field in September or shorts in October.

Seriously, though, visit both (again, even if you've already been), then have him go with his gut. Neither is a bad choice.

Congrats on his dual acceptances!!

[Anonymous]

Either is fine. Engineering school content does not vary much between schools. Any engineering school will be a lot of hard work. Engineering school “rankings” are *mostly* irrelevant if below MIT and CalTech. Double-check that both schools offer the specific engineering degree which DC is targeting.

Only if DC wants to work in RTP, NC afterwards then NC State has better local connections so a slight edge. VT would have a similarly slight edge for government sector jobs (e.g., Lockheed, Northrup, Boeing) which are located in metro DC.

[Anonymous]

What specific engineering he is considering? Is there a competition to get to his major? DC is considering VT but not direct admit to CS and leaning to other schools with direct admit to CS.

[Anonymous]

I'd consider what industry he's interested in ended up in and placement from both schools. But both are great options, so there's not a bad choice.

[Anonymous]

I personally wouldn't weigh on the rank as much because rank will change over the years and engineering is very tough anywhere you go. They are very different schools but I would choose between Raleigh or Blacksburg. Where does your child see himself as far as the settings go? For me it's the difference in the settings and whether or not he wants to be with other Virginians or if he wants to start fresh. Cost would be the other deciding factor. Congratulations on two great options!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What specific engineering he is considering? Is there a competition to get to his major? DC is considering VT but not direct admit to CS and leaning to other schools with direct admit to CS.

I would recommend going into a school that allows you to decide later than direct admit. Many engineering students switch to a different type of engineering than they started because of the classes they enjoy or hate within the first year.

[Anonymous]

OP, please clarify how the cost is almost the same when you are in-state for VT? NC St should be about $15k more.

[Anonymous]

Is NC State direct admit? If so, I'd recommend going there.

[Anonymous]

I think vibe may be his deciding factor and that is definitely OK since they are similar cost and quality of program.

Another poster suggested considering Raleigh vs. Blacksburg. I'd also add in "how easy is it to get to either school?" If you think he'll be carpooling, will he have options for NC State? Would you want him to fly? (AA is cheap & easy from DCA to RDU)

And, if you need another trip to both schools, definitely take one.

Congratulations to him!!

[Anonymous]

DS got into these both in the current cycle, but will go in state at UMD for CS. However, if UMD didn't work out, these would have been his two finalists. My perception of both in terms of STEM program strength is similar. However, NC St. is in one of the hottest job markets in the county, the Research Triangle. The university opens up right into Raleigh, a wonderful, lively city.

[Anonymous]

https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/engineering-doctorate

OP - You said NC State is ranked higher for engineering. I see Virginia Tech ranked at #13 and NC State at #30 for undergraduate engineering per US News.
Not that rankings matter much. My son went to Virginia Tech engineering and had a great experience. I don't know NC State.

[Anonymous]

OP I had one at both. Engineering & CS degrees.

OOS from MD

Virginia Tech 100%

1.NCSU is still not very minority friendly. My son had an Asian roommate and it was not pleasant in the dorms.
2. Coursework very similar. NCSU slightly easier Please have your student go online and look at coursework requirements.
3. Jobs upon graduation no comparrison VT wins. NCSU only really draws from RTP which is small or Charlotte which doesn't send that many corps to career fairs or internships. Goal of college super impt.
4. Intramurels NCSU wins Eight at State is a fun program.
5. Professors at VT and administration 100% better at VT vs NCSU.
6. Sports at NCSU must leave campus to go to football games pain in the neck.
7. NCSU is basically an urban campus it is not anything like VT. Students go home on weekends way more. Much more clicky at NCSU.
8. Engineering campus at NCSU is very nice but is 20 minutes from main campus.
9. Matriculation to the engineering school is way easier at NCSU than VT. If not accepted as a freshman right into the program.

Both of mine got great jobs after graduation from both schools. Both went to fabulous grad school programs a year after undergrad.

Programs at NCSU besides engineering that stand out Textiles and Supply Chain.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP I had one at both. Engineering & CS degrees.

Both of mine got great jobs after graduation from both schools. Both went to fabulous grad school programs a year after undergrad.

Proof that it doesn't matter which one if you pick by rank. Just choose your experience.