What are the top state colleges for engineering?

I'm starting my college search and considering state colleges for their typically lower tuition and good programs. What are some of the best state colleges with strong engineering departments? Any advice on how to choose?

Looking for strong engineering programs across state colleges is an excellent strategy, as many of these institutions offer excellent programs often at a lower cost to in-state students. Here are a few examples:

1. University of California, Berkeley: UC Berkeley has one of the highest-ranked engineering programs in the nation. Key strengths include Civil and Environmental Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Materials Science and Engineering.

2. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor: UMich is also a giant in the engineering field, with programs like Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Aerospace Engineering standing out.

3. University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign: UIUC's College of Engineering consistently ranks high and offers a wide variety of programs, including Computer Engineering and Bioengineering.

4. University of Texas, Austin: UT Austin's Cockrell School of Engineering is another notable option, with programs in Civil, Mechanical, and Petroleum Engineering.

5. Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech): Although technically not a "state" school, Georgia Tech is a public institution with renowned engineering programs across several disciplines including Industrial Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering.

Remember, though, that a college's rank should only be a part of your consideration. It's also important to consider factors such as the rigor and quality of the specific engineering programs, opportunities for research or co-ops, campus culture, overall cost, and financial aid benefits.

Additionally, consider the size of the programs you're interested in. Some students prefer smaller classes and a personal learning environment, while others may prefer the plethora of research opportunities, networking, and resources that a larger school can offer.

Lastly, location can be an important factor. Do you want to be close to a metropolitan area with many engineering firms for internship and potential job opportunities? Or would you prefer a campus that is isolated so you can fully immerse in the college experience? Understanding your long and short-term goals will help guide your decision-making process.