What is feeder engineering?

Hey guys, I came across the term 'feeder engineering' while researching college options, but I'm not sure what it actually means. Can someone give me a quick rundown on what feeder engineering entails and how it might impact my college choices?

Hey! Feeder engineering refers to a pathway offered by some colleges that works as a "feeder" into more prominent engineering programs or schools. This often takes place at a smaller college or community college, where students can complete the foundational courses for an engineering degree before transferring to a larger, more prestigious university to continue their education and complete their specialized engineering degree.

The advantages of a feeder engineering program are that it allows students to complete their general education requirements and introductory engineering coursework at a smaller institution, which may be more affordable and have smaller class sizes. Then, once a student has a solid foundation in engineering, they're better-equipped to excel at a more competitive university with a strong engineering program.

In terms of impacting your college choices, feeder engineering programs might be a great option if you're seeking a more affordable alternative for beginning your engineering education or want to increase your chances of transferring into a top-tier engineering program later on. You would need to research which colleges have partnerships or agreements with the desired target engineering schools to ensure a smoother transfer experience.

Ultimately, whether or not a feeder engineering program is right for you depends on your unique goals and circumstances – like your financial situation, desired university experience, and long-term career plans. Keep these factors in mind when exploring college options, and don't hesitate to reach out to admissions offices or academic advisors at the schools you're interested in to learn more about their specific feeder engineering programs. Good luck!