Which colleges are top for engineering and marching band?

I'm a high school junior interested in pursuing engineering, but I also want to keep playing in a marching band. What are some of the best colleges that excel in both engineering and have a strong marching band program?

Definitely a unique combination of interests! Pursuing engineering while being involved in a marching band can create an enjoyable and balanced college experience. There are quite a few universities that offer robust programs in both areas:

1. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: This school has one of the best engineering programs in the U.S., with the Grainger College of Engineering consistently ranked among the top 10 nationwide. Also, their Marching Illini is reputed to be one of the oldest and most recognized marching bands in the country.

2. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor: The College of Engineering here is highly respected and is known for its research and innovation. Its marching band, the Michigan Marching Band, is a significant campus tradition and participates in various activities including football games and parades.

3. Purdue University: Purdue's College of Engineering is a top-ranking program known for its cutting-edge research. The Purdue "All-American" Marching Band is renowned and has been the "host band" for the Indianapolis 500 race for nearly 100 years.

4. The University of Texas at Austin: UT Austin is recognized for its Cockrell School of Engineering. At the same time, the Longhorn Band, also known as the "Showband of the Southwest," is integral to the school's spirit and traditions.

5. Georgia Tech: This university offers a widely recognized engineering program. Their marching band, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket Marching Band, is one of the oldest in the country and very active on campus.

6. Ohio State University: The College of Engineering is one of the largest and highest ranked engineering programs in the U.S. The Ohio State University Marching Band, fondly known as "The Best Damn Band in the Land," boasts a rich history, tradition, and high level of performance.

Remember, while rankings can give some insight, the best school would be one that fits your academic needs, career plans and personal lifestyle. I strongly recommend you to visit these institutions either physically or virtually to get a feel for their campus life and also reach out to students in both the engineering program and marching band to gain perspective on their experiences.