Alaskadubs

I plan on getting a major in chemical engineering. I love sports, both playing and watching. I want to do well in school and be very involved in research. U Mich offered me full ride as part of the Shipman Society, and Princeton gave me close to half ride on Finaid. I like both schools and have visited both. I want to know what people think. I want to go to graduate school at Stanford or go into industry. I also am interested in materials science.

ucbalumnus

Could you and your family afford the rest of Princeton cost without excessive debt?

Michigan does have materials science and engineering, while Princeton does not.

rjkofnovi

For engineering, I would not pay 100K more for a Princeton education over Michigan.

happy1

If your family can afford it, I'd go to Princeton. That is a credential that will help you your whole life.

Alexandre

Princeton is special. If your folks can afford the additional $100k without too much hardship, I would go for Princeton. On the other hand, Michigan is a pretty special school too. If the $100k gap proves too much to bridge, I would go for Michigan. Michigan is obviously not at the same level as Princeton overall, but it is still an excellent university overall and it is as good in Engineering.

Alumother

Princeton mom and alumna here. I agree with what's been said. If the finances would involve heavy debt, Michigan is a great place. If the finances could be handled, Princeton is special. Also, if you have interest in the arts, or the humanities, in addition to engineering, Princeton will give you that extra exposure.

In terms of credentials, I'm not sure Princeton engineering would be that much more appealing to engineering managers than Michigan. It would just be a rich experience for you.

Waverly

The only sane reason not to choose Princeton is not having the money.

goldenboy8784

I would choose to spend 4 years at Old Nassau regardless of the financial constraints. It's just too good to pass up.

zephyr15

I agree 100% with Alaxendre's comment above.

rjkofnovi

I assume the OP is brilliant and should do very well in engineering. Michigan is at the very least Princeton's equal in that area. If the OP is not sure about engineering, then the additional cost may/may not be worth it. It's not like you're comparing Princeton to the vast majority of public finded schools. Like others have stated, unless the OP has can afford the 100K without great hardship, Michigan is the way to go.

res ipsa

Either choice is a good choice. Good luck!

ucbalumnus

Princeton may have its advantages, but it is hard to see this in particular being an advantage compared to a huge good state university that has a large breadth and depth of offerings in many subjects.

jetsfan289

princeton is a once in a lifetime chance. i u can afford it i would look into it.

Alumother

Oh I think there is an enormous advantage to the liberal arts model, in a smaller, more focused environment. Especially for students who want to expand their experience in the creative arts but not become arts professionals. Particularly engineers who want to become general managers will benefit.

fliqer

Michigan is a top notch engineering school. Take the full ride, get to the Big House on saturdays in the Fall and Go Blue!