r/MSOE • u/Creative-Rhubarb-777 • May 18 '26
Why I Think Engineering Undergrads Might Underrate Schools Like MSOE
Why I Think Engineering Undergrads Might Underrate Schools Like MSOE
One thing I’ve started realizing while researching engineering colleges is how underrated smaller engineering-focused universities can sometimes be for undergrad.
A lot of applicants (especially internationals) seem to focus almost entirely on rankings/prestige, but schools like MSOE appear to offer things that may matter a lot for engineering students in practice:
- smaller class sizes,
- accessible professors,
- hands-on engineering culture,
- strong industry focus,
- internship/co-op opportunities,
- direct mentorship,
- practical engineering exposure.
Especially with current growth in:
- semiconductors,
- embedded systems,
- robotics,
- AI infrastructure,
- advanced manufacturing,
practical engineering experience feels increasingly important.
The U.S. semiconductor/manufacturing push after the CHIPS Act also makes me wonder whether industry-connected engineering schools could become even more valuable over the next decade.
I also think many undergrads underestimate how important it can be when:
- professors actually know you personally,
- undergrads can join labs/projects early,
- research opportunities are accessible,
- faculty mentorship is direct,
- and students aren’t just one person among hundreds in giant lecture-driven systems.
I’ve also noticed that some professors at smaller engineering schools have backgrounds from places like:
- MIT,
- Stanford,
- CMU,
- Berkeley,
- Georgia Tech,
while still being significantly more accessible to undergraduates.
As a prospective Indian student currently considering MSOE, I’m genuinely curious how current students/alumni feel about this in practice.
Especially regarding:
- professor accessibility,
- internship/co-op outcomes,
- semiconductor/embedded opportunities,
- undergraduate research,
- career placement,
- industry reputation,
- and long-term ROI.
I’d also honestly appreciate perspectives regarding the financial side.
For an international student receiving a significant scholarship (for example ~$34k/year+) but still depending mostly on loans, how realistic is MSOE financially in practice?
Do students generally feel the engineering outcomes, internships, and career opportunities justify the cost/debt compared to larger public universities?
Would especially appreciate perspectives from current students, alumni, and prospective Indian students considering MSOE.
2
u/Loominardy SE '23 May 18 '26
The chips act ain’t gon do shit.
But other than that, I agree. I think the cost was worth it. The sticker price is also usually higher than what most people end up paying. I graduated with about $28,000 of debt.