<p>My daughter is strong in both math and science, and is lucky because she truly enjoys these subjects. She is interested in engineering and actuarial science. She has compiled a list of about 10 schools that offer both engineering and strong math and/or actuarial science programs (not an easy thing to do, she has done a lot of research). She is interested in UMass (we are in CT) but it is unclear which campus would provide the best choices for her. Any advice?</p>
<p>UMass Amherst (the flagship) is generally considered to be strong across all disciplines, however, UMass Lowell is regarded as the “engineering” school and has very well respected STEM programs, especially engineering. If your daughter has particularly impressive grades, she may qualify for admission into UML’s Honors College which would be a distinction that would greatly enhance her academic experience. </p>
<p>For out of state students, UMass Lowell has the Provost Scholarship which is a merit award ranging between 16-20k a year contingent upon a 3.25 GPA; since you live in New England, you qualify for the reduced out of state tuition which brings about a total COA of 32k a year. </p>
<p>^^The reduced tuition for NE residents is only for certain programs (if your state doesn’t offer the major). here is the list for CT residents. <a href=“http://www.nebhe.org/info/pdf/tuitionbreak/2015-16Brochure-CONNECTICUT.pdf”>http://www.nebhe.org/info/pdf/tuitionbreak/2015-16Brochure-CONNECTICUT.pdf</a></p>
<p>And you don’t have to study actuarial science to be an actuary. Most people just study math with the intent of boning up for each actuary test on the specifics.</p>
<p>UMass Amherst has the Commonwealth Honors College, with a brand new residential center. UML is an urban campus,while UMAmherst is in one of the country’s best college towns. S actually got a better financial aid offer from Lowell than Amherst, but was turned off by Lowell’s gritty, urban setting. On the day of freshman move-in two years ago, same day for both schools, there was a stabbing a couple of blocks from the UML campus. Reinforced S’s decision even further.</p>
<p>Both schools have excellent engineering programs; if actuarial sciences is under the auspices of UM-Amherst’s Eisenberg School of Business, Eisenberg is extremely tough to get into–very well regarded.</p>
<p>Yes, majoring in something else like math or statistics, with appropriate elective choices, can be good preparation for actuarial exams (though the checklist for an actuarial science major, even at a different school, can give some idea of what to take). See <a href=“http://www.beanactuary.com”>http://www.beanactuary.com</a> for more information.</p>