Engineering- importance of going top 10

[Anonymous]

I know conventional wisdom is that it doesn’t matter where you go as long it’s abet certified, but beyond that, what really is the difference between a Purdue or Michigan vs Ohio state or Penn state vs Pitt. Are the top 10 worth striving for and then beyond that it doesn’t matter? Should you go to Penn state rather Pitt because of ranking? Surely the “top” schools offer something more? Or are rankings in this area basically meaningless?

[Anonymous]

Basically meaningless.

I come from a family of engineers and am also married to one so I know countless engineers (all my husband's college friends are engineers and my siblings friends are as well) and almost none of them went to a top10 program.

Now the cycle is repeating itself as their kids go off to school (many to study engineering) and their kids are again having career success from non top10 programs. I'm thinking of 100+ people, probably more like 150.

[Anonymous]

If they want to go into academia and pursue a PhD, maybe it matters. But if they’re looking to work afterwards I don’t think it makes a difference at all.

[Anonymous]

Engineering is tough no matter where you study it. If your kid picked it, it proves their mettle. School shouldn’t matter.

[Anonymous]

Some employers may have tighter relationships with specific schools. Recruiting is costly, so in economic downturns, they will retrench to core schools.

There are also geographic hiring markets where certain schools are better known/more appreciated. Plus a lot of kids want to live in a radius of home.

And the school's brand/cachet can be important in some circles. This is difficult to plan around.

I would favor geographic considerations, top employer lists, and merit money over modest ranking differences.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Some employers may have tighter relationships with specific schools. Recruiting is costly, so in economic downturns, they will retrench to core schools.

There are also geographic hiring markets where certain schools are better known/more appreciated. Plus a lot of kids want to live in a radius of home.

And the school's brand/cachet can be important in some circles. This is difficult to plan around.

I would favor geographic considerations, top employer lists, and merit money over modest ranking differences.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Some employers may have tighter relationships with specific schools. Recruiting is costly, so in economic downturns, they will retrench to core schools.

There are also geographic hiring markets where certain schools are better known/more appreciated. Plus a lot of kids want to live in a radius of home.

And the school's brand/cachet can be important in some circles. This is difficult to plan around.

I would favor geographic considerations, top employer lists, and merit money over modest ranking differences.

+1

and I would add Abet accredited (already mentioned) employers know that applicants from ABET-accredited programs can perform and compete at a global level.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If they want to go into academia and pursue a PhD, maybe it matters. But if they’re looking to work afterwards I don’t think it makes a difference at all.

But even for that, what matters is the graduate school. Excelling at most undergrad engineering programs will give you a great chance at a good PHD program. Doing well and doing some undergrad research is key....and that comes from your work effort in undergrad, not where you attend

[Anonymous]

My husband went to a land-grant state s hook for electric engineering (undergrad and grad). Did notable research as a grad student, was published etc. Made six figures out of the gate over twenty years ago.

[Anonymous]

^school

[Anonymous]

School does not matter. Passing the state licensing exam and becoming a licensed engineer that can sign and seal is what matters.

[Anonymous]

The land grant colleges typically have good engineering programs and are well supported.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know conventional wisdom is that it doesn’t matter where you go as long it’s abet certified, but beyond that, what really is the difference between a Purdue or Michigan vs Ohio state or Penn state vs Pitt. Are the top 10 worth striving for and then beyond that it doesn’t matter? Should you go to Penn state rather Pitt because of ranking? Surely the “top” schools offer something more? Or are rankings in this area basically meaningless?

It is really about what state you want to be licensed in and work in. If you want to work in Michigan go to Michigan. If you want to work in Ohio go to OSU. If you want to work in Pa go to Penn State or Pitt.

Ultimately it is about passing the state licensing exam and being able to work in that state.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:School does not matter. Passing the state licensing exam and becoming a licensed engineer that can sign and seal is what matters.

Even this doesn't matter in some disciplines (thinking aero specifically).

[Anonymous]

There are a lot of different kinds of engineers.