Where are Florida's top mechanical engineering colleges?

I'm planning to major in mechanical engineering and want to stay in Florida. Any thoughts on which colleges have robust programs with good hands-on opportunities or research facilities?

Absolutely, Florida has several great options for studying mechanical engineering. Here are a few:

1. University of Florida: University of Florida (UF) often ranks amongst the top for its Mechanical Engineering program. They have a strong curriculum, active research initiatives and offer plentiful hands-on experiences for their students. UF also boasts a high job placement rate for graduates, which highlights the strength of their program.

2. Florida State University: The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, a joint program of Florida A&M University and Florida State University (FSU), also has a competitive Mechanical Engineering program. In addition to traditional coursework, FSU prioritizes real-world applications and innovation in its curriculum.

3. University of Central Florida: The Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department at UCF also offers a comprehensive program. It places a strong focus on aerospace applications, which could be beneficial if that's an area of interest for you.

4. University of South Florida: USF's College of Engineering has a highly regarded mechanical engineering program. USF Engineering students regularly participate in engineering competitions and clubs that allow for practical, hands-on experience.

For each of these programs, look into research opportunities, lab facilities, and potential collaborations with local industry to get a good idea of what hands-on experiences you could have. Remember, it might also be helpful to consider factors such as the overall university size, location, and campus culture to ensure that it aligns with your personal preferences and academic goals.