Best College for Architectural Engineering?

I'm a high school junior interested in pursuing architectural engineering, and I'm trying to identify some top colleges. Can anyone suggest good schools known for their architectural engineering programs? Any tips on how to evaluate these programs?

Sure, that's a great question. When considering colleges for architectural engineering, you would want to look at factors such as the reputation of the program, faculty experience, lab facilities, extracurricular activities related to the field, and alumni success.

Here are a few colleges that are widely recognized for their strong architectural engineering programs:

1. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly): Cal Poly has a dedicated Architectural Engineering Department with a strong focus on practical application.

2. University of Colorado Boulder: Boulder offers a robust Architectural Engineering program with concentrations including Construction Engineering and Management, and Structures, among others.

3. Pennsylvania State University (Penn State): Penn State's College of Engineering provides a comprehensive Architectural Engineering program which includes many research opportunities for undergraduates.

4. University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin): UT Austin's Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering Department offers a strong Architectural Engineering degree.

5. Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT): Known for its architecture and engineering programs, IIT offers an undergraduate program in architectural engineering that is both comprehensive and highly practical.

When evaluating these programs, consider the curriculum - does it cover both the engineering and design aspects of architecture that interest you? Does it offer hands-on lab work and real-world projects? Also, consider opportunities for internships and co-op work experiences, as these can be especially valuable in the field of architecture. Lastly, take a look at the faculty and their experience in the field. You want to learn from professors who have extensive knowledge of, and past experience with, architectural engineering in the real world.

Remember, the "best" college is often subjective and will depend on factors like your personal fit with the institution, size and location preferences, and financial considerations. So be sure to visit campuses, speak with current students and faculty, and review course offerings and syllabi if possible.