UCLA vs UMich Chem Engineering

Compare College Acceptances
, ,
1

Hi! I was recently admitted to both UCLA and U Michigan for chemical engineering and am struggling to decide.

For chem e, I know that UMich is ranked higher than UCLA but am wondering if this ranking will significantly affect my job prospects. I visited both and liked both but for diversity reasons (I’m asian) I think I’d prefer UCLA slightly.

The cost of both are the same, and I’d be starting in the fall for both and am thinking I want to work on the sustainability route. Any advice would help!

2

Rank means nothing. These are two fine schools.

The bigger issue will be the economy. Business wise, chem companies are headed into the toilet - so you never how the prospects will be.

But UCLA or UMich will both set you for success. I would not fret over a US News Ranking - which by the way is a popularity contest of deans and not anything real world.

Congrats and best of luck.

1 Like
3

Thank you! I’m hoping the economy would get better, but I’m also going into chem e hoping I’ll get broader job opportunities so hopefully won’t have to suffer too much…?

4

Chem jobs pay well.

But right now Chem companies are in the cross hairs - but time will tell.

Bottom line, you’re in good shape at UCLA. So go and enjoy.

5

Go to whichever college you prefer.

1 Like
6

Chem e is a very broad field. My daughter’s company can’t find enough chem es. All industry reports continue to list the job outlook as very positive.

Congrats on two wonderful acceptances! You can’t go wrong with either but UM has a special place in my heart.

1 Like
7

If you prefer UCLA, I would not think twice about it. If you were talking about a PhD, you might get down into the weeds about which program was doing more of what you were interested in doing. But for undergrad, I don’t think there is going to be a meaningful distinction, and jobs is going to be a function of how you do as an individual, like in terms of grades, performance during internships, and so on.

2 Likes
8

Go to the college you prefer. Really, both are excellent but UCLA seems to be your preference, right?

9

And as an FYI, none of us has any way to predict the job market four years from now! So go to a college you like!