<p>“Price wise, I am an international student, so tution fees between those 2 uni is not really an issue as they are almost the same (although Umich is about 5000$/year higher though). Is it worth it?”</p>
<p>Like you said, the cost is practically the same. Michigan will cost you $220k while UIUC will cost you $200k. Either way, it is going to be expensive.</p>
<p>“I also acknowledge that both schools have an almost equal mechanical engineering ranking, but which one has slightly more edge? Nationwide and worldwide image, prestige, future job connections with companies are ones that I really want to take notice about.”</p>
<p>Michigan and UIUC both have equally good Engineering programs, and that includes Mechanical Engineering. However, in terms of overall reputation, Michigan has a stronger image, both nationally and internationally. This may help open doors to certain industries, such as Consulting and/or Finance, but it should not make a difference when looking for Engineering jobs.</p>
<p>“Actually I am also an automotive enthusiast and hope to work in R&D of automotive company after i graduate, so does Umich (Detroit) has slight the edge over UIUC (Chicago) in terms of job opportunities?”</p>
<p>Obviously, when it comes to finding a job within the automotive industry, Michigan will have an edge over UIUC. </p>
<p>“Does Umich has better connection with the car companies because it is nearer to Detroit? Or it is not really an issue as UIUC also a great engineering school?”</p>
<p>It is obviously an issue. How can it not be? Proximity has an impact and Michigan is right in the middle of the action.</p>
<p>“Lastly, in terms of quality of life and place to study, which one is better, Ann Arbor or Urbana-Champaign?”</p>
<p>There is no comparison. Ann Arbor is a much nicer town than UC. Both universities have fun campuses, though Michigan is more pleasant, but when it comes to AA vs UC, it is not even close.</p>
<p>"PS: Does Detroit really a bad city? Because sometimes when I said that I want to go to Detroit because I want to work for car R&D department, people said “Really? Detroit?”.</p>
<p>Detroit is definitely not a great city to live in, but its suburbs are actually quite nice. However, Detroit is definitely a city on the move. In the next 5 years, I fully expect it to become a more liveable city. Besides, you can always commute. For 2 years, I worked at Ford HQ in Dearborn and lived in Ann Arbor. It is 40 minutes each way, but totally doable. Heck, Ford’s CEO also lived in Ann Arbor back in those days.</p>