Small College vs. Large University: Which is Better for Engineering Students?

[toforfiltum]

Hi all, I've applied to some unis in the States and heard back from them. Now I have problem deciding between two completely opposite schools. At the time I applied, I don't really know what I wanted to do, though I chose engineering. I'm still undecided now.

I got accepted to Macalester, which is the only liberal arts college to accept me, I was rejected and wait listed by all else. They gave me a nice financial aid package of $ 179530 for 4 years. U Minnesota also accepted me with scholarship covering the difference between out of state and in state cost.

So now, I don't know which school to choose. Of course, if I'm firm on engineering, I should stick with U Minnesota, but I'm not very sure. Anyway, back where I'm from, I could still work as an engineer with a physics degree. And, seeing that I was rejected by all the other liberal arts colleges I applied to, it would seem a waste of opportunity if I decline Macalester.

U Minnesota would have more name recognition, but Macalester would give smaller class sizes. So which school should I choose?

 

[Dr. Courtney]

The one with smaller debt upon graduation.

 

[toforfiltum]

The one with smaller debt upon graduation.

What if my parents say cost isn't an issue?

 

[Dr. Courtney]

Go with your heart, because you'll work harder.

Working harder is more important than the choice.

 

[toforfiltum]

Go with your heart, because you'll work harder.

Working harder is more important than the choice.

Thanks for your advice!

 

[jtbell]

A point that people bring up against small liberal-arts colleges is that they probably have a smaller range of research opportunities than big universities do. Macalester might be an exception to this, because it's in the same city as the U of Minnesota, so you would probably have some access to opportunities there. I suggest checking their website and maybe asking them specifically about this.

 

[toforfiltum]

A point that people bring up against small liberal-arts colleges is that they probably have a smaller range of research opportunities than big universities do. Macalester might be an exception to this, because it's in the same city as the U of Minnesota, so you would probably have some access to opportunities there. I suggest checking their website and maybe asking them specifically about this.

Ok, will do it. Thanks for your suggestion!