UCSD vs Cal Poly Pomona ENGINEERING

OsakaDad
Mon, 25 Jun 2012 13:14:42 +0000

I must add that UCSD is a more reputable school. However, CPP is an up and comer and has consistently risen in the rankings over the years. Here is a good link that will give you a nice overview of how the school is ranked. [url=http://www.dsa.csupomona.edu/visitors/rankings.asp]Rankings[/url]

Ultimately, only you can decide. If you want prestige and major is of little concern then UCSD trumps CPP. If you want to be a Mechanical Engineer then go to CPP. CPP is a good school and will give you a respected degree. You will most likely get paid as much as the next ME when you get hired and after that it will be all up to you and your abilities on the job. There is a lot of truth to what you said above, “I’m thinking that really in the end it doesn’t matter where you graduate as long as you are strong in the field of your choice.”

In terms of size, CPP is a top 20 engineering school in the US and graduates 1 out of 14 engineers in California. This is a legitimate engineering college and if you combine it with the Kellogg Honors College, if you choose that route, you can get the added prestige. CPP engineers work at JPL, SoCal Edison, DWP and a lot of other top firms.

Some people on CC complain that CPP graduates rank and file line engineers while management jobs are saved for folks that went to top schools. Alumni networks do make a difference in the job market. However, specifically in engineering, it is your professional abilities that determine how far you go. If there ever was a merit based profession it is engineering. Get the degree and be the best you can. You’ll be fine.