Interested in colleges for automotive engineering

I'm really into cars and was hoping to find colleges that offer strong automotive engineering programs. Does anyone know of schools with good hands-on opportunities or partnerships with car companies? Also, are there specific factors I should be considering when looking at automotive programs?

Absolutely, there are several universities that offer strong programs in automotive engineering. They combine a robust academic curriculum with hands-on practical experiences and collaboration with automotive companies. Here are a few examples:

1. Michigan Technological University has an impressive program, and the school operates the Advanced Power Systems Research Center (APS Labs), which is a world-class facility focused on advanced engines, emissions, and alternative power systems. They collaborate with industry partners on projects and research.

2. Clemson University's International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) in Greenville, SC offers great opportunities in Automotive engineering. They have relationships with several companies in the industry and provide students with immersive, hands-on experiences.

3. Kettering University in Michigan has the General Motors Foundation Automotive Research Area, where students get to work on advanced mobility applications and vehicle development.

Factors to consider when assessing automotive programs include course curriculum, faculty qualifications, research and hands-on learning opportunities, industry partnerships for internships or co-ops, and post-graduate job placement rates in the automotive industry. You may also look into extracurricular activities like automotive clubs or competition teams, as they provide additional learning and networking opportunities.

Remember, it's not just about the rankings but also the right fit for you. Check out the course curriculum and speak to current students or faculty if you can to understand the program from their perspective.