University of Michigan Engineering Culture and Quality of Life

[college1232132]

Hey everyone,

I’m a high school senior currently deciding between Auburn University and University of Michigan for aerospace engineering.

I’ve visited, and really enjoyed everything I’ve seen in Auburn: the campus, the community, and the overall environment feel like a great fit. That said, Michigan stands out for its top-tier engineering program, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.

My main question is about the trade-off between quality of life and opportunity. I know Michigan engineering has a reputation for being rigorous, and I’m wondering how that actually plays out day-to-day.

For those who have any insight:

• What does a typical week look like at UMich?

• Is the workload manageable while still having a social life?

• Does the stress feel worth it given the opportunities (research, internships, recruiting)?

I’m trying to figure out whether the added rigor at Michigan is justified by the long-term advantages, or if a school like Auburn offers a better overall balance.

Appreciate any insight—thanks in advance!

[tsbna44]

I’m not saying not to choose Michigan - but what makes you assume that Auburn doesn’t have research opportunities or industry connections?

Auburn shows that over 20% of engineering students participated in research. Most kids (like my son) have no interest, so it’s likely a fine #. I’d say at many schools, if you want to do research, you can.

And they show for 24 grads (including 23 fall), that the average salary was near $77K with 47 reporting. I don’t know how many grads that was so I don’t know the “knowledge” rate. They showed a similar salary range for Mechanical - which is often substitutional to aero.

U Mich shows a $94K average for MechE (no quantity listed) and near $84K for Mechanical.

I think at most places, like the major aero my son works at, they’d recruit at W Michigan and Michigan - and they will pay the same. My low ranked college son from an SEC school found out he was making more than a Columbia grad at a neighboring company.

But the reported data - and I don’t know what % of grads reported - show UM much higher. Of course, their tuition is much higher too - and goes up the last two years.

But back to your question on tradeoffs - that you’d lose research opportunities and strong industry connections - I don’t think that’s a truth.

I also think this is an unknown - rank doesn’t = rigor. My Alabama kid got into Purdue (didn’t apply to UM due to cost) - and got his a$$ kicked. This is engineering -

1. don’t conflate rank with rigor

2. assume no matter where you attend academically is going to be rigorous - or as my son said, it’s math, math, and more math.

You’re making a lot of assumptions - and my guess is none of them are true.

Might you have a better experience overall at UMich or make more money coming out - sure.

But will rigor be more? Unknown. Will you lose research and/or industry connections being at Auburn - guessing not. They will have plenty of enrichment (speakers, projects, etc.) at both - should you choose to participate.

Best of luck in whatever you decide.