Help choosing a university in Arizona

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around choosing a university in Arizona for a degree in Aerospace Engineering. Participants share their experiences and opinions on the engineering programs at Embry Riddle, Arizona State University (ASU), and the University of Arizona (U of A), considering factors such as cost, reputation, and career prospects.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant highlights the affordability and credit transferability of Yavapai College, expressing concerns about the high tuition at Embry Riddle compared to ASU and U of A.
  • Another participant states that U of A is considered the best school in Arizona, while ASU is also well-respected.
  • Some participants suggest that the choice of school can impact job prospects, noting that companies tend to recruit more from higher-ranked schools.
  • Conflicting opinions arise regarding U of A's engineering program, with some participants recommending it based on personal experiences and others expressing uncertainty.
  • One participant mentions that ASU ranks higher than U of A in engineering according to US News, suggesting that this may be a relevant factor for consideration.
  • A current U of A student shares positive experiences about the engineering program and mentions recruitment opportunities with local companies like Raytheon.
  • An ASU student advises prioritizing financial considerations when choosing a school, suggesting that the educational experience will be similar at both ASU and U of A.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions regarding the strengths and weaknesses of the engineering programs at the three universities. There is no clear consensus on which school is definitively better, and multiple competing views remain regarding the influence of school reputation on career outcomes.

Contextual Notes

Participants' claims about the schools' reputations and program strengths are based on personal experiences and perceptions, which may vary widely. The discussion reflects a variety of factors influencing university choice, including financial considerations and individual career goals.

Lance280z
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Hello everyone! I just signed up and spent the entire morning searching and reading threads on the forum.

I've been doing research on universities in Arizona that offer degrees in Aerospace Engineering. I'm currently attending Yavapai college and have been for the past few semesters as it is convenient, affordable and the credits transfer easily to the other universities in AZ.

I was all set to start at Embry Riddle in the fall to finish out my engineering degree but I am having a hard time coping with the cost of tuition. I know it is an excellent school but both ASU and U of A offer aerospace degrees at about $20k less per year. I am a first generation college student and am 27 years old so the cost is all on my shoulders.

I'm wondering what influence the school you graduate from has on a future career. Does the school influence that much or is it primarily grades? I'd only be looking as far as a four year degree with the possibility of graduate school in the future. Also, does anyone have an opinion of the schools in AZ? I'm looking at Embry Riddle, ASU and U of A. Any input is much appreciated.
 
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Has anyone heard anything about these schools' engineering programs in general?
 
Lance280z said:
Has anyone heard anything about these schools' engineering programs in general?

U of A is the best school in Arizona. It is truly world class.

Arizona state is a well known, and respected school.

Embry Riddel may be well known in particular niches I am not conversant in, but it is not generally considered a top-tier school.

If you're planning to get a job straight out of undergrad, sadly your choice of school does matter. If nothing else, companies recruit more at the better school. It's not really fair, but it is reality.
 
So of the three you would recommend U of A? I get conflicting opinions on their engineering school...
 
Lance280z said:
So of the three you would recommend U of A? I get conflicting opinions on their engineering school...

One of the best engineers I know went to U of A (Mechanical). But Arizona State is also quite strong. You really can't go wrong.
 
Go to whichever is most financially easy for you. ASU ranks higher than U of A in engineering (both undergraduate and graduate) according to US News, if that matters to you. You'll do fine at whichever school you attend.
 
I am currently a student in The University Of Arizona studying chemical engineering. A friend of mine is studying Aerospace Engineering and it seems like he really enjoys studying it here. Raytheon is also in Tucson so they often come here during career fairs and recruit interns for the summer break. What I can tell you is that I really enjoy the UofA and I am very proud to say that I study engineering here. My brother also graduated from the UofA with an electrical engineering degree and he was very pleased with their program. Now he is working for an engineering design firm. Anyways, you can't go wrong with UofA. It is a big school with a lot of diversity, it has a better reputation than ASU and the women are hot.
 
I am an ASU student; I would suggest that you go where the money is. ASU is cheaper than U of A, and the social and educational experience will be essentially the same at either.

Tucson does have nicer hiking though, if you're into that sort of thing...
 

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