Best colleges for automotive engineering in Texas?

I'm super interested in automotive engineering and I'm considering Texas for college. What are some of the best colleges in Texas that offer strong programs in automotive engineering? Any personal experiences or advice would be great!

In Texas, there are several solid options for pursuing automotive engineering. While we typically see automotive engineering programs rolled into mechanical engineering departments, here are some colleges in Texas with robust engineering departments that would set you up well for a career in automotive engineering:

1. University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin): UT Austin's Cockrell School of Engineering is one of the best in the nation, and their Mechanical Engineering department is well-regarded. UT Austin also has a Formula SAE team where students can gain hands-on experience designing and manufacturing racing cars.

2. Texas A&M University: They have a strong College of Engineering and also offer participation in their SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) student chapter. The SAE team builds race cars from the ground up—you'd be getting practical, hands-on experience.

3. University of Houston: Though a bit lesser known for engineering, their Cullen College of Engineering also offers a strong mechanical engineering program. They too have an SAE team.

Remember, you will likely be looking for programs in Mechanical Engineering with opportunities to specialize or focus on automotive systems. Be sure to look into the specific curriculum and what kind of research opportunities, clubs, or professional societies the university is connected with—these will give you the most centered education and applied experience in automotive engineering.

Finally, it's always a good idea to visit the campuses if possible and reach out to faculty or current students in the Mechanical Engineering department to get a feel for the program. Good luck in your search!