The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

Date: Nov 13 2007
Major: Mechanical Engineering (This Major's Salary over time)
Although this school is relatively unheard of in the professional world, the education I received was well worth it. I say relatively, because employers either confuse UMass Dartmouth with Dartmouth College, or they think only of UMass Amherst. Takes some convincing to tell them there's actually an Engineering College near New Bedford. The Mechanical Engineering faculty was amazingly knowledgeable and helpful in all respects, but you have to be an adult and put in the extra effort to learn. Some faculty members are very clear and firm about not helping those that can't help themselves. As far as the rest of the school, the Housing Department is awful. I would try to refrain from living on campus and commute instead, if possible. If you must live on campus, do your best to room with someone you know, because you will, I repeat WILL be living in a forced triple your first year. It doesn't get any better either, because every year they seem to room the hard-working engineers with the dead beat roommates that didn't come to school to learn. Just spend lots of time in the library or in Group 2 with the other engineers, and you will excel, I promise you. Also, keep in mind that only about 9% of the student body are engineering students, you will be alienated from time to time. In closing, I'll just reiterate how great the MNE faculty is, even if some of the lab equipment is sub-standard. These days the schools have to make a choice on whether their budget goes to paying faculty, or buying equipment. UMD picked the former, and I'm grateful for it.