Stevens Institute of Technology (SIT)

Stevens Institute of Technology is a private research university that stands out for its research opportunities and hands-on curriculum. One student describes how the school's research focus "gave me the opportunity to publish papers and get 1-on-1 mentoring to expand my knowledge of certain topics." Another calls out the engineering school's "Design Spine": a focus on collaborative design challenges and project-based learning that, for one student, involved "creating air testers, robots, [and] speakers from the ground up using skills that I have been taught strictly at Stevens." For those interested, there's also a co-op program that allows students to alternate between academic study and full-time, paid work experience. Classes at Stevens are "often very small," which is great for instructors "accomplished in their respective fields" who "like to engage with every student in their class." One student finds it to be a Goldilocks school: "just the right size-large enough to have lots of peers and not see the same people every day, but small enough to build close relationships with professors." Among Stevens' other strengths are its "postgraduate connections," which help students get jobs and internships, and an "easy access to New York City [that] is hard to match." The "really rigorous" coursework helps in that regard as it "prepares you well" for future careers, and the school's reputation offers a good return on investment. As one student explains, "Many students graduate with a job offer since Stevens is very well known among tech companies in the area."

Students are at Stetson because they are high achievers and want to make real change, say students. “My peers...show genuine interest in a wide variety of social justice issues and express concern for the wellbeing of others” and “are always willing to go the extra mile in and out of the classroom.” Within this “goal-oriented and charismatic” group of Hatters, there is “a strong international presence in a small college community” and there are “many cultural organizations that support the many international students that come from all over the world.” Students say, “it’s easy to get to know people and create wonderful friendships” and one of the school’s big strengths “is the sense of vibrancy, warmth, and relaxation the environment has overall.” Students agree that it’s good to have “a diverse and well-rounded group of individuals from all backgrounds” because given the small campus, people “are found everywhere on campus in small groups and you’ll likely see your friends walking past you throughout the day.” The overall impression is “that everyone is happy and taken care of here.”

While students take their academics seriously, the overall environment at Stetson is “very pleasant and relaxing” and “our campus and town are so beautiful.” The main campus in the college town of Deland includes an expansive green where students can often be found “studying and hammocking,” and “the beach is an essential part of the Stetson experience.” On the weekends, the school is “filled with events, parties, or supporting the athletes” of the school’s 18 Division I sports teams, and there’s a big downtown scene for those looking to get away. Not that you need to, note students of the “vibrant and close-knit community,” given that “there are so many [student organizations] to choose from,” and that they’re “lively and very inclusive.” Meanwhile, the programming board “always hosts fun events [from laser tag to arcade night to concerts] for students to attend.” As for the school itself, students appreciate that “Stetson constantly brings in guest speakers which allows us to...become connected to the outside world.” The opportunity of such events “provides great connections for your future.”

With several career fairs held through the year and more than 600 employers recruiting and otherwise involved on campus, The Stevens Career Center does an excellent job of facilitating connections between companies and organizations that want to hire their grads. As one student says, “You’re free to get as much help from the Career Center as you want.” Clearly, plenty of students do—97 percent of the class of 2021 were employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation. Additionally, the Career Center hosts workshops and seminars, arranges co-ops and internships, and sets up one-day job shadowing externships during the winter recess. All seniors at Stevens, regardless of their major, are required to complete a capstone Senior Design Project, which they are encouraged to develop with the collaboration of an industrial sponsor, providing another route for students to secure post-college employment. The five-year Cooperative Education Program is also popular among engineering students and provides additional access to employers. It also “really helps to be located so close to the city, as there are tons of opportunities available to you as a Stevens student.” The Stevens Institute of Technology alums visiting PayScale.com report that the median starting salary is $87,800, and 50 percent report that they derive a high level of meaning from their jobs.