I know so-so ordinary jobs in California will pay $60k while the same jobs will be paid only $45k in Oklahoma, etc. It is the cost of living thing. But, still when you are talking about high paying job $80k and above, it is still considered high paying job for entry level job; well unless you work for investment banking-wall street, that is different story.
My point is still in order to get high paying job, they require high GPA at least 3.70 and above NOT 3.2 as all of you have said. You guys are wrong that will think GPA 3.2 will get you $80k and above jobs.
Do you guys think that any engineering college grad that will earn $80k is not much?
Anyhow, if the job is in Oklahoma paying $70k which is considered a lot of money and of course that same job will be paid $90k or $100k and above in Cali and NY, etc.
I am not incorrect analysis and I have proven and given the example that high paying jobs will require high GPA like 3.70 and above. You may get your degree from MIT or Cal-Tech, Stanford, etc. But if you have only GPA 3.2, I am sorry they will ignore your application.
So, IF money is ok, 5 years of school with the idea of getting GPA and getting good credentials REUs, internships, research, Co-Op, etc is better than ordinary 4 yrs of college with lousy GPA that will not get you the high paying jobs as mentioned above. What is the rush? one year extra in college will make a huge impact on your career.
Lastly, bonehe3ad, do you think $7k a month is too low for high paying job at entry level? my son thinks that is a good number to start with to begin your aerospace career. is it too low or what?