“However if you value a higher tier engineering degree over the presence of good liberal arts programs, then I’d say Caltech or GT.”
dagriff, your post is detailed and, for the most post, I am sure it is spot on. However, I don’t see how GT or Caltech are a higher tier in Engineering. They are all considered peers in Engineering, particularly in the OP’s chosen fields (AE and MechE). I have seldom seen a ranking that separates those three by more than 2 or 3 spots.
" Unfortunately I think only UMich would provide you with good programs in both the liberal arts and engineering. However if you value a higher tier engineering degree over the presence of good liberal arts programs (and". GT has decent ones in that category too. Again it is super industry/international-focused so the language programs are great), then I’d say Caltech or GT."
Not sure why a school that is excellent in all of its offerings would be unfortunate? Michigan is definitely a peer of both of these schools, particularly GT.