East Coast LACS with Engineering

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Tufts - it's a similar size as Lehigh, but has an LAC vibe

A kinder, gentler, option for Engineering

Are you saying you think Tufts is easier for engineering or being sarcastic? Sorry but hard to tell.

[Anonymous]

I'm biased because I'm from the area, but I think WPI is a hidden gem. It's an engineering school for sure but it has a LAC feel.

Also some LACs have joint degree programs to provide both the liberal arts experience and engineering degree. Bates has a number of 3-2 and 3-3 engineering programs for dual BA/BS degrees or BA/MS combo: https://www.bates.edu/physics-astronomy/academics/engineering/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here - So far he has liked the size of the LACs he visited - liked that they were smaller contained campuses, you did not need a car or a bus to get around, and could easily walk to classes.

For the ones we visited they seemed like a "better" mix of students as opposed to it being a 70/30 ratio of men to women and everyone is just STEM focused. That was the first thing that jumped out at him at RIT.

As of now he things he wants to do engineering, but likes that fact that if it is not an engineering school he has options. That is something weighing on his mind since many of his older cousins pivoted once they got to college.

My DS is a very outgoing person and has been a leader, so he would like to have some emphasis on being well rounded and gain basic skills that will help him if he takes on a managerial role later.

Most of the small engineering schools fit this list and certainly will do the last thing you mention. Many have a liberal arts core, like VA Tech (where you are likely to take more liberal arts classes than an engineering student at UVA). WPI in particular of the ones we looked at has liberal arts breadth as is a big focus of their program, along with project based learning abroad that is intentionally cross-curricular (students working with professors on a wide range of things from the Panama canal extension to creating education programs in remote locations, to improving living conditions in refugee camps to creating marketing programs for NGOs, etc).

What those schools don't have are a lot of options (some, but not a lot) if he decides not to do engineering. If he really isn't sure that he can find a major among what they offer, then his instinct is right that an engineering school might not work. You can look at the schools' web sites to find out how many people graduate in each major every year. Otherwise, they would be a great fit as they are "the SLACs of the engineering world," if you will: small, undergrad-oriented with small classes taught by professors not TAs, lots of student groups to pursue a huge variety of interests, campus activity oriented, not a huge frat culture (usually). I was struck during tours at how artsy the engineering schools can be: multiple instrumental groups, film clubs, theater groups, choirs and a capella, and even a marching band and football team (they all have varsity and club sports too so lots of athletes on campus). They all seem to have great facilities for these activities.

[Anonymous]

Have you looked at Cooper Union?

Founded specifically as an Engineering AND Arts school, it’s in Greenwich Village in NYC. High quality.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have you looked at Cooper Union?

Founded specifically as an Engineering AND Arts school, it’s in Greenwich Village in NYC. High quality.

And inexpensive

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Have you looked at Cooper Union?

Founded specifically as an Engineering AND Arts school, it’s in Greenwich Village in NYC. High quality.

And inexpensive

Every students gets a 50% tuition scholarship. Just looked and after discount tuition/fees are $24k.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Have you looked at Cooper Union?

Founded specifically as an Engineering AND Arts school, it’s in Greenwich Village in NYC. High quality.

And inexpensive

Every students gets a 50% tuition scholarship. Just looked and after discount tuition/fees are $24k.

Very small though. And housing is an issue - not guaranteed for any students, including first years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:York College of PA is a smaller school but has a larger engineering school. Quinnipiac is a smaller university. Elon, Loyola MD and Christopher Newport are about 5000 students and have engineering departments.

Loyola MD has a nice (but small) engineering program, gives out tons of merit money, and they have D1 sports. I heard that several from DC's school just received their $35k award. Might be a good safety.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Union is an engineering focused LAC.

What about LACs does he like? Most liberal arts schools are focused on the liberal arts, which does not traditionally include engineering. There are some schools that offer 3/2 programs. There are other schools like WPI that encourages a liberal arts-y like brradth to the engineering curriculum. There are other schools like Rose Hulman that are the size of many LACs.

FWIW, Union has had engineering since 1845. It claims to be the first liberal arts school to offer engineering.