4 answers
Thea
Student
Goodyear, Arizona
1
Question
Asked
623 views
Whats the best way to find colleges when interested in a stem major?
Ever since I was little I've wanted to be an engineer, aerospace engineer to be precise. There's many college options, but how do I find the best one for my budget and interests? What about my colleges impact on careers and interviews in the future?
4 answers
Courtney Crain
747 Pilot
12
Answers
West Linn, Oregon
Updated
Courtney’s Answer
I would go in-state to save on tuition and focus on a major in engineering. (Embry Riddle, unless you have a lot of money, is obscenely expensive). Where it matters more is where you go to grad school. Don’t waste money on your undergraduate degree or worry too much where it’s from. Reach out to professionals on LinkdIn who work for Lockheed, Boeing, etc and see where they did their Masters and go from there.
Thanks for responding! This is super helpful, I didn't know LinkedIn could be a resource for that
Thea
Dennis Taylor
Self-employed
88
Answers
Columbus, Indiana
Updated
Dennis’s Answer
Hello Thea, You can find an excellent listing of schools that offer programs in STEM at USNEWS. It will provide information on location student body size, etc. and, of course, $Tuition. Like any other compilation of this type, there may be some bias. But, at least, you can get a good idea what the options are for you. Then you can start digging deeper.
If you prevail, and earn a degree in engineering or science field, that opens doors for you for the next phase, whether it is graduate school or a job. What you do after you walk through one of those doors will have the greatest impact on your career, moreso than the name of the school on your diploma.
Keep on asking questions and try to figure out what your strengths and interests are. I wish you success whatever path you take, Thea.
If you prevail, and earn a degree in engineering or science field, that opens doors for you for the next phase, whether it is graduate school or a job. What you do after you walk through one of those doors will have the greatest impact on your career, moreso than the name of the school on your diploma.
Keep on asking questions and try to figure out what your strengths and interests are. I wish you success whatever path you take, Thea.
Dan Wolf
Retired Electrical/Software Engineer and part-time College Professor (BSEET and MS Engineering Management)
129
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Dan’s Answer
It's crucial to choose a school that not only fits your budget but also offers the program you're interested in. Schools that promote student internships or require final year projects often have robust programs. Specifically, for engineering, ensure the school is ABET accredited.
Consider your finances, especially if you'll need to secure loans for your education. Apply for FAFSA to check your eligibility for grants or low-cost loans. Community colleges offer an affordable option for the first two years before transferring to a pricier four-year university. State universities, partially funded by the state, are typically less costly than private ones. Also, a local university allows you to save on dormitory fees by commuting from home.
If you're still in high school, consider earning early college credits by taking a class at your local community college or university. This not only gives you a head start but also allows you to interact with advisors and instructors about engineering careers, giving you exposure to the field and college life before making your final decisions.
The college you choose can influence your career and job interviews. Top-tier universities often attract more employer interest and provide better preparation. However, a degree from any ABET accredited college can lead to a successful career, provided you're committed to your studies.
Consider your finances, especially if you'll need to secure loans for your education. Apply for FAFSA to check your eligibility for grants or low-cost loans. Community colleges offer an affordable option for the first two years before transferring to a pricier four-year university. State universities, partially funded by the state, are typically less costly than private ones. Also, a local university allows you to save on dormitory fees by commuting from home.
If you're still in high school, consider earning early college credits by taking a class at your local community college or university. This not only gives you a head start but also allows you to interact with advisors and instructors about engineering careers, giving you exposure to the field and college life before making your final decisions.
The college you choose can influence your career and job interviews. Top-tier universities often attract more employer interest and provide better preparation. However, a degree from any ABET accredited college can lead to a successful career, provided you're committed to your studies.
Thank you so much, Dan!
Thea
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1913
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Thea !
I am happy to give you some advice about finding a college but I cannot say what impact the college would have on your career because you haven't chosen a college yet. I wouldn't be too concerned about the college's reputation, rather find a school that you like. You would go about choosing a college for your interest the same way you would look at colleges for other studies. That is, look for a college that has the engineering program that you want. You will also have to decide if you need to go to college where you live or are able to relocate based on which college you choose. It will take a lot of reading, communicating with colleges and visiting in person for you to decide which college is a good fit for you and not focusing on which one people think is the best. That is why it is important for you to get first hand knowledge for this so you can make a decision.
To get you started, here are some of the colleges that offer degrees in aerospace engineering in your state of Arizona : Arizona State University in Tempe, University of Arizona in Tucson, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott. Compare them and see which one has the best program for you, which has the best cost that is doable for you and which location you would like to study in. Again, visit the ones you can in person, read their websites, phone them for information and after comparing I think you will be able to decide.
I hope that this was of help and I wish you all the best !
I am happy to give you some advice about finding a college but I cannot say what impact the college would have on your career because you haven't chosen a college yet. I wouldn't be too concerned about the college's reputation, rather find a school that you like. You would go about choosing a college for your interest the same way you would look at colleges for other studies. That is, look for a college that has the engineering program that you want. You will also have to decide if you need to go to college where you live or are able to relocate based on which college you choose. It will take a lot of reading, communicating with colleges and visiting in person for you to decide which college is a good fit for you and not focusing on which one people think is the best. That is why it is important for you to get first hand knowledge for this so you can make a decision.
To get you started, here are some of the colleges that offer degrees in aerospace engineering in your state of Arizona : Arizona State University in Tempe, University of Arizona in Tucson, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott. Compare them and see which one has the best program for you, which has the best cost that is doable for you and which location you would like to study in. Again, visit the ones you can in person, read their websites, phone them for information and after comparing I think you will be able to decide.
I hope that this was of help and I wish you all the best !
Thanks so much for your advice!! This helps alotttt
Thea
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