Perhaps the most well-known technical university in the U.S., Massachusetts Institute of Technology (or MIT, as it is often referred to) was ranked the number five college in America. With slightly over 10,000 students (both graduate and undergraduate), the college offers a low student-to-faculty ratio of eight to one. And, although tuition costs about $50,000 a year, a great deal of financial aid is available to students, with 83% of students receiving help. Potential majors include engineering, architecture, and nuclear science. The college itself is located in Massachusetts, and offers on-campus housing. With an active student body and plenty of opportunities for students of all tastes, life at MIT can be very exciting for those wishing to get involved. Artistic opportunities (theatre, music, dance and beyond) and sports programs (Division III varsity and club) abound. MIT is a prestigious college with high levels of success that can kick-start any career.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
77 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02139
617-253-1000
http://web.mit.edu
A very selective technical university, the California Institute of Technology was ranked number nineteen. Only 921 undergraduates are enrolled at the college, and only about 17% of those who apply are admitted, allowing for a very low student-to-faculty ratio of six to one. This ensures that each student receives the personalized education. With a faculty that consists of Nobel Prize winners and world-renowned scientists, the college seeks to prepare students to "expand human knowledge and benefit society." Students can major in a great number of specialized majors, from chemical engineering to high-energy physics. And, despite the small class size, there are still a multitude of extracurricular activities, including many student clubs and organizations like the outdoors club, the film making group, and a club that specializes on honing the skills of jugglers.
California Institute of Technology
1200 E. California Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91125
626-395 6341
http://www.caltech.edu/
Despite recent hardships and an association with tragedy, Virginia Tech remains one of the top 200 colleges in the country, according to Forbes. A large school with over 23,000 undergraduates, Virginia Tech has a seventeen to one ratio of students-to-faculty. While students may not get the individualized education offered by MIT and California Technical Institute, for independent students, Virginia Tech may be a great fit. Offering majors in everything from science and engineering to business and liberal arts, Virginia Tech encourages students to "invent the future." Another benefit of a large student body is the diversity represented at the college. Students can participate in enormous sporting events for the 21 varsity teams on campus, and can engage and share ideas with the many artists on campus. Virginia Tech also offers exchange programs throughout the world, in locales like India, Switzerland, and the Dominican Republic.
Virginia Tech
201 Burruss Hall
Blacksburg, VA 24061
540-231-6267
http://www.vt.edu
Another large technical university, California Polytech is a top-200 college that is particularly appealing because it offers a total tuition (including room and board) of less than $30,000 a year in-state. And, in spite of being a public university with a student-to-faculty ratio of twenty-one to one, graduates still do very well. The college has an impressive record of having nearly 90% of alums find work or graduate study within a year of graduating, and current students can choose from a variety of majors, from the broad (chemistry) to the specific (dairy science). Also hosting an active student body, a virtually limitless number of clubs and organizations thrive on campus, including unique groups like the Hip Hop Congress and the Tractor Pull Club. And, with its location in sunny California, students shouldn't have trouble finding something exciting to do when taking a break from studies.
California Polytechnic Institute
1 Grand Ave.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
805-756-1111
http://www.calpoly.edu/