Hey everyone,
I’m currently deciding between going to community college first or attending San Jose State University (SJSU) right away for mechanical engineering, and I’d love to hear some opinions! Here’s what I know so far about each option:
Community College:
More cost-effective, allowing me to save money before transferring.
Smaller class sizes, so more personal
Might be harder to get involved in engineering-specific opportunities early on.
TAG to UC program
San Jose State University (SJSU):
Has strong industry connections with Silicon Valley companies.
More access to hands-on projects, internships, and research from the start.
Well-regarded ME program, but classes can be impacted.
Higher tuition, but I’d be fully immersed in the engineering environment.
Regardless of where I go, my ultimate goal will be getting a job out of college. Note: I’ll be participating in Air Force ROTC (AFROTC) so, I’ll be serving in the AF for 4 years and most likely be working in an engineering-related career. I know SJSU has a solid AFROTC program, so that’s another factor in my decision.
For those who have experience with CC-to-UC transfer vs. direct SJSU, what would you recommend based on my situation? Are there specific pros and cons I should consider?
Would love to hear from current students, grads, or anyone in the field! Thanks in advance!
OP didn’t say anything about a scholarship. Fewer than 30% of AFROTC participants get scholarships, and only a fraction of those are full-ride.
Doing ROTC and serving after college means a different outlook on post-college employment, though.
OP, would you have to take on debt for SJSU? If so, would it be an amount that would be manageable to pay back once you are serving?
For engineering, in most cases the pacing is better in a 4-year program where you don’t have to push most of the specialized content into the last two years; and the opportunities to get involved in research, and major-related clubs and teams (Student Clubs | Mechanical Engineering) are richer. Plus there’s the social continuity… and while I’m not an authority on the inner workings of ROTC, I assume there are leadership opportunities that may be more easily accessed if you’re in the same program for 4 years.
SJSU is an excellent school for engineering. Is your concern about committing there mainly about cost, or is it that you’re willing to sacrifice the four-year CSU experience for a shot at a UC? I’ll say that by the time you get out of the military, with experience already under your belt, I think it’s unlikely that the difference between a SJSU degree and a UC degree will have much impact at all on your subsequent career prospects.
I would be applying for the scholarship but yeah as you said I’m not sure if I will get it since the chances are low.
I would have to take on debt, I’m not sure how much is manageable but it I predict it will cost me around $24k~$26k for my freshman year out of pocket, that is, assuming I won’t be applying for other small scholarships (which I hope to be doing throughout college).
I also found that apparently students (juniors and seniors) are automatically qualified for a $18k scholarship if they are already not on on. Its called the General Charles McGee Leadership Award (CMLA).
Also, what would you recommend if I were not to do afrotc? (CC or SJSU?)
If you mean that you would need to find loans in the amount of $24-26k/year in order to attend SJSU, then you cannot afford SJSU. The maximum students can receive in federal loans is $5500 their first year, $6500 their second year, and then $7500 per year for the last two years, for a total of $27k for undergrad.
CC->UC is a great, well-worn path to college in California and can set up you up for success in just about any field, including mechanical engineering.
