MN resident; U of MN or U of Mich for engineering?

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The discussion centers on the decision between attending the University of Michigan (UMich) for nuclear engineering versus the University of Minnesota (UMN) for aerospace engineering, particularly considering the high out-of-state tuition at UMich. Participants weigh the value of a prestigious degree from UMich against the financial burden and the potential benefits of a degree from UMN, which is less renowned in engineering. Key points include the importance of job performance over the school's reputation, the potential advantages of a stronger undergraduate reputation for graduate school admissions, and the consideration of GPA outcomes at each institution. Some suggest that a higher GPA at UMN may be more beneficial than a lower GPA at UMich, while others highlight the financial implications of attending each school. The conversation also touches on alternative options like UW-Madison, but the focus remains on the Midwest schools. Ultimately, the decision hinges on personal comfort with the chosen major and financial considerations.
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Is attending the University of Michigan with its absurdly high out-of-state tuition worth it instead of paying in-state tuition for the University of Minnesota? As in, is the depressing amount of money I will have to pay after I graduate at Michigan worth the degree? Or should i just stick with a less engineering-renowned school at Minnesota?

If it matters, I would major in nuclear engineering at Michigan and aerospace engineering at Minnesota.

Thanks!
 
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You could convince yourself of either choice. There is definitely a value in a big name engineering degree. On the other hand, if your job performance is strong, where you earned your degree does not matter as much.

So in the end, I would follow your gut feeling and do what you feel most confortable with.
 
Do you want to get a degree in Nuclear Engineering? Or Aerospace? If you decide on Nuke, then I suggest UM-AA.
 
Well I'd go for either. I just meant if I went to Michigan I would go for nuke and of course at MN I'd go for aerospace since they don't have nuke.

But more to the point is if an engineering degree at Michigan is worth paying the high out of state tuition for. Like, is its prestige worth it? Or should I just save me money and go with MN?
 
Another consideration is whether you intend to go to graduate school. An undergraduate school with a better reputation may help get into a better graduate school. It may also be a tie breaker when it comes to getting that first job. My undergrad engineering degree is from U of Mich and am very happy about it. I expect U of MN grads would probably say the same. In the end I agree with others that your performance probably means the most regardless of where you go. If you are considering out of state, why not try MIT or Stanford?
 
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What about UW-Madison? They have an agreement with Minnesota residents in which they only pay slightly higher tuition than Wisconsin residents.
 
@hotvette, I'd prefer to stay in the Midwest. How much of a performance difference would matter? For example, should I still go to UMich if I can maintain a 3.0 gpa or should I go to UMN if I can maintain a 3.5 gpa there? Like, would a 3.0 gpa performance at Michigan still be worth it over a 3.5 gpa performance at MN?

@contramundum, I actually applied there too. Surprisingly, even with the agreement, I would end up paying the same amount as Michigan since Michigan gave me more grants than Madison.
 
Do Mech undergrad (at MN) so that you can do either Nuke or Aero later . . . it's what all the cool kids do (like me).
 

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