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How important is it to go to a top tier school for Engineering?

I am trying to discern the importance of school/ school cost as I plan for college. I want to major in Mechanical Engineering, but do not want to be in debt for the rest of my life because I went to one of the top 3 schools in the nation. Any thoughts? #engineer #mechanical

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Luis "Lou"’s Answer

I say it is not important. There is plenty of evidence (look it up) that shows that you can get the same level of education from a state or smaller college, than from a so called "top tier" (i.e.: expensive) college. I could write a dissertation on this, but, bottom line: don't indebt yourself for the rest of your life for a sweatshirt; they sell those to everyone.

Go to school, work hard, get good grades, do internships or co-op and you'll do fine.


There is a study Google did on the success of their recruits based on the school the came from. (Spoiler: it didn't matter).

Luis "Lou" recommends the following next steps:

Ask any "seasoned" engineer how important to his current job was the school he graduated from. I am going to guess "not", but you'll have the tell me.
Thank you comment icon Your answer is great Luis, thanks so much for sharing your expertise! At this moment there are more than 800 unanswered questions so I wanted to encourage you to keep going! So many students will benefit tremendously from hearing from you. Keep up the great work! Jordan Rivera, Admin COACH
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Nicole’s Answer

Hi Caleb P. I see that you posted this question a little while ago so I hope my answer to you (or others who may read this response) is still helpful.

So, I think what is more important than going to a top tier for engineering, is graduating! :) I make this distinction because while getting into a top tier school can be hard and expensive, graduating is what makes that hard work and cost pay off. I will share with you that I think I went to a pretty good school, the University of Pennsylvania, from which I graduated with my engineering degree. I can tell you first hand that it was hard and expensive BUT, once I got to the end of my junior year, I began to see the light at the end of the tunnel...(meaning I began to see that this part of my career building journey was coming to an end).

Many years ago, when I was graduating, it was true that graduates from top tier schools became magnets for companies and government entities looking for new candidates to come and work for them. While I think some of that is still true in 2020, I also think that many companies are focusing more on matching up the skill sets that they need/will need, in the ever-changing space of technology, against graduates who show an aptitude for working and succeeding in changing environments.

I think the importance is placed on the young person who starts and finishes their engineering program. From that perspective, that young person can build their own launching pad, from which they may decide that they want to learn more. That desire to learn more isn't limited to spending more time in a college classroom. As you may know, many successful business were started by young people who didn't even finish college..(though I would recommend finishing your college studies :))

Another place of importance is figuring out what you want your career to be. That in itself can be a journey that yes, can be determined by finishing a program from a top tier engineering school but regardless of the school, it is helpful to get some good footing on what, why and how you are building your career. This is not always an easy task but worth taking the time to unravel. The good news is that there are limitless resources to help in that space as well.

I wish you the best of luck!
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Narendra’s Answer

I'll say, 'Yes'' straight away. I can give you some reasons , not that crux though.
First of all lets not consider about scoring good marks as you mentioned. Its the least that matters I think.
lets begin with, better campus recruitment opportunities at better college(in case one is intended to take job). Good Engg Institutes have tie-ups with giants of any fields, and those giants rarely go for off campus recruitments when it comes to fresher.
A better environment for PG preparation because of availability of better faculty and a pool of aspirants(seniors , batchmates, even Alumni) for GATE, CAT , GRE you name it.
Mostly some good colleges have a trend of running personality advancement clubs which can help you polishing your soft skills. Such clubs are more likely to be found in well known Colleges only.
Most importantly, if you are a geek and take engineering as a real ground for your technical advancement then there are two major things an better Engg institute can give you, better resources, exposure and a surrounding with people who are technically sound. This environment helps you take the best out of you.
Lastly a pool of cream and a variety of students around you contributes bit by bit to you in many ways. Its good to have people interested and experts in various domains around you , pushes you to be one such.


The bottomline is about 'exposure' , a better alma-mater can give you a better exposure in any field from technical, higher studies to soft-skills , art , sports even politics.


This is all when you have a choice between two colleges of different levels. If your merit doesnt gives you a good Engg. college doesnt at all means that you are unlucky or won't be a good engineer or so. In the end its all upto you.
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