CO school of Mines vs. Clarkson U

College Search & Lists
1

<p>I have recently narrowed down my school search to two schools, The Colorado school of Mines and Clarkson University. I have visited Mines but have not visited Clarkson, I live in Vermont but currently go to school in PA. I like Golden, CO, but would also be very familiar with a New England town setting. From what I have read, they both have very high job placement and starting salaries. If I went to Mines I would major in Mechanical Engineering, and if I went to Clarkson I would major in Aeronautical Engineering. Mines gave me $14,000 in scholarships and grants, plus a small incentive for receiving a type-2 3 year AFROTC scholarship, however, I would still be responsible for $31,100 my first year and $13,100 every year after that (due to my AF scholarship). Clarkson gave me quite a bit more, totaling $37,430, meaning I would be responsible for $16,378 my first year, however, my AF scholarship would cover everything every year after that. My question is how different these schools really are, in terms of job placement, starting salary, and graduate school opportunities considering that I will not be looking for a job in the private sector for at least 5 years after graduation. </p>

<p>Thanks</p>

2

<p>If you’re not looking for a job in the private sector for at least five years, the name on your degree and on campus recruiting barely matters. More important will be what you do in the Air Force upon graduation from either Clarkson or CO Mines. </p>

<p>Would you be able to afford the cost of Mines with minimal debt? If not, then go with Clarkson. If so, choose whichever you like better.</p>

3

<p>So in which case, by virtue of the school, would I be more likely to receive a better assignment in the Air Force?</p>

4

<p>You’d get the same kind of assignments in either case. If you do well in engineering probably acquisition. Mech E and Aero are generally interchangeable for the AF.</p>

5

<p>The Air Force won’t care which college you attend. Your major, high gpa and leadership within your AFOTC unit is what counts. Go with the the school that leaves you with the least debt. My S did NROTC and was really happy to graduate from college w/ no debt. It made starting out in military life easier.</p>