<p>The thread on engineering CMU vs. michigan isn’t really addressing overall the decision - but it is clear that this is a common bottom line. Here is what I see so far (I am Michigan faculty but not in CoE so I may be biased, so need input): </p>
<p>Michigan:</p>
<p>Slightly higher ranked in all but CS, much higher in chem E and biomed E
significantly cheaper (we are in-state!)
better overall ranking-reputation
study abroad program in China (for U of M credit)
better spectator sports
Superb undergraduate research opportunity program
great summer undergrad possibilities
more elective options since smaller school
small town around with lots of students/entertainment tailored to students</p>
<p>CMU:
Smaller, thus smaller class sizes
Biomed major does not exist on its own (only as double with sth else)
easier to participate in sports and arts while majoring in hardcore
sounds like study abroad advertises Qatar of all places? (not for a Jewish red head!)
better job placement programs later (lots of threads say so)
big city but small college campus</p>
<p>undergrad research at CIT? Anyone?</p>
<p>Anyone any comments?</p>
<p>Personally, it also boils down to: How much more do kids grow who live away from home in college compared to the city they were born in and grew up in? Is that growth worth a lot of $$$s, or are they anyway barely seeing parents on weekends, have the advantage of borrowing a car when needed, and can go away after undergrad, when a company job or grad school pays for it</p>
<p>If the student lives on-campus in dorms or adjacent to campus in apartments shared with other students it’s not really like living at home. There’s something to be gained from living in a different area as well but the question is if it’s really worth the large added expense if applicable. But for experience living elsewhere you could do a summer internship in another part of the country - especially in engineering.</p>
<p>From your post, maybe it make sense to attend the much less expensive in-state and stay on-campus and then do a study abroad and an internship in another part of the country.</p>
<p>I had no choice but UW- finances- coming from a Madison suburb eons ago and wanted to leave home. I ended up loving the place because I lived on campus and was separate from family. The large student body at Michigan also makes it its own world. If your child doesn’t need to take any/many courses in your dept s/he won’t need to worry about you being on campus. Definitely need to live on campus. With such a great flagship U it can be hard to justify paying a lot more for a lesser school. The world came to me in college- I’m sure the same will happen at Michigan. I’m sure there are plenty of club sports, recreation opportunities for sports without the hasseles of needing to be on “the” team. I’ll bet your child will get as much professor contact if s/he is assertive. Promise your child you will stay out of his/her life and encourage the local school over CMU for the overall college experience and academics.</p>
<p>DS will be going to CMU-Qatar next week for a HCI Asian Conference to give a paper. From the internet, its a BIG building. There are also Australia, NYC, Oakland CA satellite campus’s. Affiliated program also in Korea, maybe China. </p>
<p>Many of DS friends had positions at CMU as undergrad assistants. DS got his position by knocking on doors as a freshman, and the prof said he could have one as a sophomore which lasted until graduation. He did bio-robotics. Did a nominally paid, soph-junior summer, working on a CMU-Pitt robotics project. This professor won a MacArthur Fellowship in 2007.</p>
<p>DS doubled in HCI. Many of his roommates and friends doubled without too much problem. </p>
<p>Pittsburgh has become quite a hub for high tech for software and robotics. PITT and Carnegie Library/Museum are located adjacent to CMU. Big park located also adjacent and has ice skating, public golf, conservatory, trails. College is in a suburban setting although just 3 miles from Pittsburgh center. Of course there is the Steelers and Pirates.</p>
<p>Guaranteed housing, 4 years. </p>
<p>CMU encouages active participation in clubs and the arts. There is a professional school for the arts.</p>
<p>You don’t need a car at CMU. Taxi and public transportation are pretty good. And there are enough students who live off-campus who have cars (mostly kids who live within 400miles).</p>
<p>This is an international and national school. DS has friends all over the US and the world. </p>
<p>W and I think that DS has a goal in visiting airports.</p>
<p>Exactly what is “biomed”. I see it a lot on these threads</p>