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MIT vs. UIUC in Structural Engineering


Halcyon

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Hi All!

 

I got into these two amazing programs and am currently having a real tough time making up my mind between the two.  A bit about each program:

 

MIT

Duration: 9 months

Degree: M.Eng - High Performance Structures

Requirements: Courses + 2 Design Projects + Thesis

Funding: none

 

University of Illinois Urbana Champaign

Duration: 11 months

Degree: M.S. (non-thesis) - Structural Engineering

Requirements: 9 courses

Funding: none

 

Any thoughts/advice would be greatly appreciated!!

 

 

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Thanks for the reply!

 

Yes, Illinois is definitely cheaper, tuition-wise about $10,000 less than MIT, but I've saved up enough that I would be able to manage either program financially without having to take out loans.  In terms of ranking, I've seen it swing either way.  I've heard that UIUC is the more traditional program and where a lot of US structural engineers come out of.  Their structures department is definitely larger than MIT's with more professors that have had experience as professional engineers.  MIT, on the other hand, is still a very well regarded program and definitely prestigious in engineering in general.  Location-wise I would prefer Boston/Cambridge over middle-of-nowhere-Illinois.  MIT also seems to have a more creative approach to the program with collaborative design projects and such (though very intense combination for a 9 month period), whereas Illinois is course-work only.  I also feel like MIT might be more marketable for when I'm applying for jobs, but that's only a guess on my part considering MIT's prestige factor.

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$10,000 isn't much in the long run, and it sounds like you'd be significantly happier in Cambridge/Boston.  Plus, having MIT listed on on your resume will give you a considerable edge over almost everybody else (all else being equal) during job interviews.  I would go with MIT, but what does your heart tell you?  Either way, you can't really go wrong with either.

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wow, I guess illinois has expensive tuition too! I wonder how much the cost of living difference would be over a year?

 

If you have enough saved for either and are okay with spending the extra money, then perhaps MIT would be better. MIT has the thesis option too, which is nice if you ever want to go on to a PhD.

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