College Choice

If you can afford both without taking out massive student loans, pick which one feels most like home after visiting the campus. They're both excellent schools, so I honestly wouldn't sweat the academics or ROTC side of things, but more the general student life.

I know ERAU really likes to hype up their ROTC programs, but the numerous graduates of their program from both schools I've come to know haven't really knocked my socks off or anything when compared to graduates of other programs. Their pilot selection rates are on par with the national average as well, despite what they might claim. If you're an absolute nerd for aviation, ERAU's aviation program is second to none. For engineering in general, Purdue has a reputation as being one of the nation's premier programs. This poll has Purdue at #6 vs ERAU at #101 https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-engineering-schools/aerospace-rankings

If one school is a better financial choice than the other, then the decision is easy. Don't be like one of my pilot friends who's still 40k in debt for his aviation degree.

Also, while having the space center right there is cool, other than sitting on the grass and watching the rockets fly past, it won't really do much for your future. If you really want to, apply for a summer internship there.
 
MidCakePa said:
The main engineering building at Purdue is called Armstrong Hall. In front of it is a statue of a dashing young man during his undergrad days. And next to that statue, stamped in the concrete, is a footprint depicting that man’s first step on the Moon.

Interestingly, Neil Armstrong majored in aeronautical engineering. And he purportedly chose Purdue over MIT after watching a Purdue-Ohio State football game (take note, @NJROTC-CC). Don’t know if Embry-Riddle was on his list of potential colleges.

One thing I like about Purdue is that it’s a Big Ten school but doesn’t feel like a Big Ten campus. It’s a fairly compact and closed-off campus that’s more akin to private Northwestern than the sprawling public behemoths such as Michigan, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Penn State, etc.
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The last man on the moon Gene Cernan also went to Purdue and was a superb Naval aviator. And Gus Grissom (USAF pilot) - second man in space.

Over one-third of all of NASA's manned space missions have had at least one Purdue graduate as a crew member

Purdue has the name credibility/branding.
 
PV35 said:
The last man on the moon Gene Cernan also went to Purdue and was a superb Naval aviator. And Gus Grissom (USAF pilot) - second man in space.

Over one-third of all of NASA's manned space missions have had at least one Purdue graduate as a crew member

Purdue has the name credibility
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Data points and for fun…
So Purdue has 25 astronaut alumni. 16 went to Purdue undergrad. Embry has seven. Size and tenure percentages that’s a far better batting average for Embry donning the helmet. agree and No doubt Purdue is phenomenal. Neal Armstrong and Grissom et al are pioneers, legends. Grissom was also great on CSI. And, Perdue makes great chicken products. So there’s a lot going right there.

I’ll just add that NASA actively recruits at Embry, too, and in Volusia county and on the grounds of NASA that Embry appears to hold its own.

just before we cast Embry down with the sodomites or throw shade on the smaller school producing a higher percentage of astronauts. Props to Purdue for those considering these schools, both are paths to the test pilot and astronaut route FYI.
 
TigerMomNot said:
Hi Michael,

In my opinion, with in-state tuition that I assume you would have, Purdue is a tremendous value. Plus, an aero engineering degree from Purdue is well-respected by alumni of the other "sprawling public behemoths," which extends the professional network. I no longer work in the industry but at least one that I know of with 30+ years (he's watching TV at the moment) would agree.

But, FL would be a nice change of scenery for you! :)
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I love the aspect of attending ERAU, but literally, I can't tell if it's worth the 56K year tuition... Of course, I can't pay that amount/can't expect my dad to pay them either, it just stressful lol.
 
Purdue: freeze in winter but tremendous prestige. B1G sports. Midwest, 50/50 guy/girl ratio.
ERAU: endless summer, less prestige. No sports. Florida, must go off-campus to get a decent guy/girl ratio.

Can't go wrong either way but these are VERY DIFFERENT undergraduate college experiences.

If you're really stuck, then go with Purdue and buy some extra-warm gloves and a hat. Winter's not that bad -- especially if you have a girlfriend with rosy cheeks. Seriously, the debt you'll incur for ERAU is not worth it. Make the financially-sensible choice -- you'll be happier in the long run.

GL to you.
 
thibaud said:
Purdue: freeze in winter but tremendous prestige. B1G sports. Midwest, 50/50 guy/girl ratio.
ERAU: endless summer, less prestige. No sports. Florida, must go off-campus to get a decent guy/girl ratio.

Can't go wrong either way but these are VERY DIFFERENT undergraduate college experiences.

If you're really stuck, then go with Purdue and buy some extra-warm gloves and a hat. Winter's not that bad -- especially if you have a girlfriend with rosy cheeks. Seriously, the debt you'll incur for ERAU is not worth it. Make the financially-sensible choice -- you'll be happier in the long run.

GL to you.
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especially if you are a resident of Indiana. Purdue is way cheap for in-state students
 
Just a quick follow-up that some may find interesting - two members of last night's SpaceX civilian crew were Embry Riddle alum: Jared Isaacman and Chris Sembrowski.

It is always good to factor in "can I afford if my scholarship falls through" in plans. There are people who get PRB'd or drop out or mechanical injuries while not participating in drilling etc. They can be on the hook to pay back all monies, all the way back to their start even if a last-semester senior. I'd rather owe Purdue's in-state tuition vs a private school tuition, if that happens.

Early action (not early decision) in-state Purdue applicants who also get merit aid have a compelling risk reduction and overall more visible brand reputation in keeping Purdue on their short list. Just buy thermal underwear:)















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