Honestly - you are going for MechE.
Truly, it doesn’t matter. Vandy is a fine school - but it’s not better than Rutgers or the Southern Schools or name your other state school or anywhere else.
It’s just rated higher by US News in their ranking - which is meaningless to real life, especially for ME. Example - my son was at trivia night in Utah. He works for an aero company. A Columbia grad works for a different aero company. Both first years - my son and the other person talk…turns out my son made more $$ more coming from Bama….it’s just his company pays better than the other. It’s MechE…Columbia, Alabama, Michigan, W Michigan…they all mix.
But because it meets need and you have a budget, it’s good.
But there are other schools that you don’t have to “hope” for - they’re already going to make budget - period, end of story, due to automerit. So make sure you have 1-2 of these on your final list.
You are going to be a MechE…think about UAH - $20K-ish. It’s already Rocket City, with tons of jobs - but now they’re moving Space Command there from Colorado (another hotspot) - think about how many companies and jobs that are going to relocate there.
Living in Nashville, Vandy engineering - isn’t all that.
If it hits your need, not saying don’t apply - but there are other schools - and not just the South - KU for example - whatever it is you prefer - make sure one is on your list. These schools buy smart kids like you in - that’s how you hit the price. You will be surrounded by brilliance.
If it’s Rowan that’s your safety, it’s great. It’s not a flagship if that’s what you want - but it’s fine. I actually think Rutgers is safe for you. as well…great school.
Good luck.