Anonymous
Post 08/13/2025 16:29     Subject: Re:Engineering programs at smaller schools, less selective
Try CU Boulder.... they have a high OOS acceptance rate and allow your kid to apply to the general studies and then switch over
Anonymous
Post 08/13/2025 16:25     Subject: Engineering programs at smaller schools, less selective
Another accessible school is Kettering, in Flint. Students spend half their time in coops.
Anonymous
Post 08/13/2025 16:24     Subject: Re:Engineering programs at smaller schools, less selective
Anonymous wrote:Somebody mentioned Olin College above, it seems to be an engineering school. Does anybody know anything about it?


It's a very small (80 students per class) engineering only school. Students can take non engineering classes through Babson or Wellesley. Very hands on/project based; not easy admissions.
Anonymous
Post 08/13/2025 15:49     Subject: Engineering programs at smaller schools, less selective
Anonymous wrote:Smaller colleges may lack research opportunities. R1 schools, whether you like it or now, have a lot of research activities ongoing.


WPI and RPI are R1; also small schools that don't have grad schools give all the research to undergrads.
Anonymous
Post 08/13/2025 15:46     Subject: Re:Engineering programs at smaller schools, less selective
Somebody mentioned Olin College above, it seems to be an engineering school. Does anybody know anything about it?
Anonymous
Post 08/13/2025 15:28     Subject: Engineering programs at smaller schools, less selective
Anonymous wrote:I’d suggest considering Dayton. A little larger at 8,000 and not D3, but has club swim. A very good engineering program and lots of merit aid.


What makes them very good?
Anonymous
Post 08/13/2025 15:25     Subject: Engineering programs at smaller schools, less selective
I’d suggest considering Dayton. A little larger at 8,000 and not D3, but has club swim. A very good engineering program and lots of merit aid.
Anonymous
Post 08/13/2025 14:50     Subject: Engineering programs at smaller schools, less selective
Kind of sounded like Clarkson was having financial issues? https://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/49014/20231222/clarkson-announces-plan-to-phase-out-majors-in-humanities-communications

I'd struck it from DD's list out of concerns for upheaval and if it's a trend in the wrong direction.
Anonymous
Post 08/13/2025 14:46     Subject: Engineering programs at smaller schools, less selective
A lot the suggestions are smaller D1 schools. Clarkson and Union are both D3.

For D1 schools, look at Lafayette, Bucknell and Dayton. I have also been curious about Marquette but I am a little worried about its location in Milwaukee. Seems like there isn't a consensus on whether this is a good or bad thing.
Anonymous
Post 08/13/2025 14:38     Subject: Re:Engineering programs at smaller schools, less selective
Santa Clara ABET engineering and a phenomenal new building.
Anonymous
Post 08/13/2025 14:34     Subject: Engineering programs at smaller schools, less selective
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Are there any that are worthwhile? DC would like to go to a school less than 5000 undergrad, maybe even around 3000. His core classes are all top rigor, almost all As but UVA etc not possible due to GPA being around 4.15 and less world languages than UVA desires. His ECs are pretty much all sports. Unprepped SAT 1320, 680 in math last spring but he will take it again. Ideally D3 school where he can swim.


The score does not predict success in any engineering program in the T50. Smaller schools that are less selective that would be in range for his scores are not going to have good engineering outcomes. He would be better off at a less selective public that has ABET engineering where his scores are above average and he can do club swimming


My 1310 kid went to a smaller engineering school...and is currently working as an engineer!


Which is what the vast majority of kids wanting to study engineering do. But instead we are getting constant comments from people focused on T20 or elite engineering programs obsessing about research. Find a good ABET accredited program, do well and you will be fine. Missouri S&T is another school to consider. It produces fantastic engineers.


Research is important in engineering regardless of your school ranking.


In my experience hiring engineers, reaearch experience as an undergrad does not have correlation with skills, knowledge, or "on the job" ability.

For grad engineering students, it is different -- provided their research area closely relates to their work area.
Anonymous
Post 08/13/2025 13:15     Subject: Engineering programs at smaller schools, less selective
Absolutely look at Clarkson. Lots of research opportunities. D3 swim. Excellent engineering program.
Anonymous
Post 08/13/2025 12:52     Subject: Engineering programs at smaller schools, less selective
Anonymous wrote:Are there any that are worthwhile? DC would like to go to a school less than 5000 undergrad, maybe even around 3000. His core classes are all top rigor, almost all As but UVA etc not possible due to GPA being around 4.15 and less world languages than UVA desires. His ECs are pretty much all sports. Unprepped SAT 1320, 680 in math last spring but he will take it again. Ideally D3 school where he can swim.

Gonzaga. Small class sizes for engineering. Usually offers a merit discount.
Anonymous
Post 08/13/2025 12:51     Subject: Engineering programs at smaller schools, less selective
For those who really want research, look at summer REU programs at other universities.
Anonymous
Post 08/13/2025 12:44     Subject: Engineering programs at smaller schools, less selective
Add msoe to the list