Franklin W Olin College of Engineering vs Florida Tech

Franklin W Olin College of Engineering and Florida Institute of Technology, two esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences for aspiring engineers. Olin, a private engineering college in Massachusetts, boasts a highly selective admissions process with an acceptance rate of 14%, while Florida Tech, a private research university in Florida, offers a more accessible route with an acceptance rate of 63%. Olin's undergraduate student body is predominantly male (79%), while Florida Tech's is more gender-balanced (56% male, 44% female). Both institutions excel in engineering education, with Olin specializing in undergraduate engineering programs and Florida Tech offering a wider range of engineering programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. To help you make an informed decision about your engineering education, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table highlighting key differences between these two exceptional institutions. Dive into the details to discover which one aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Florida Institute of Technology	Franklin W Olin College of Engineering
Overview
Location	Melbourne, Florida	Needham, Massachusetts
Campus setting	City: Small	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate
Students retention rate	82.0%	100.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	65.9%	18.0%
Application fees	$50	$85
SAT range	1140 - 1340	1490 - 1580
ACT range	24 - 30	34 - 35
Students submitting SAT score	68.0%	41.0%
Students submitting ACT score	30.0%	23.0%
Total number of applicants	10,650	907
Total number of admissions given out	7,016	163
Admitted students who chose to enroll	756	91
Yield rate	10.8%	55.8%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$61,442	$73,649
Average net price	$32,314	$36,494
Tuition	$42,346	$55,612
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,416 Meal plan: $5,980	$17,984
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	92.0% Average amount $25,807	100.0% Average amount $38,069
Students receiving federal student loan	48.0% Average amount $5,481	23.0% Average amount $4,382
Students taking out private loans	11.0% Average amount $24,026	2.0% Average amount $33,500

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	3,491 Men 69.4% Women 30.6%	382 Men 47.9% Women 52.1%
Graduate students	4,339 Men 35.7% Women 64.3%	N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Moderate
Out-of-state students	54.8%	N/A
International students	19.3%	8.4%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	2,017	363
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Florida New York New Jersey Maryland Pennsylvania	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Psychology Business Transportation and Logistics Computer and Information Science	Engineering
Students to faculty ratio	14:1	8:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	66.3%	97.4%
Dropout rate	32.8%	2.6%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Information Science/Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $58,395 Year 2: $67,660 Year 3: $85,054 Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $98,500 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $83,998 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $71,306 Year 2: $75,787 Year 3: $81,479 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,475 Year 2: $67,324 Year 3: $80,057 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,264 Year 2: $65,557 Year 3: $79,253 Air Transportation (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $61,064 Year 3: $77,183 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,682 Year 2: $65,486 Year 3: $76,785 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,184 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $74,804 Management Information Systems and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $76,992 Year 2: $63,997 Year 3: $73,267 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $67,647 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $71,506	Engineering, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $91,352 Year 2: $75,706 Year 3: $104,429 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $78,343 Year 3: $79,692 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $76,460 Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary academic focuses of Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering and Florida Institute of Technology?

Olin College is solely focused on undergraduate engineering education, emphasizing a hands-on, project-based curriculum with a strong focus on innovation and design. Florida Tech, on the other hand, offers a broader range of programs, including engineering, aviation, science, business, and humanities, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. It has a more traditional academic structure with a wider variety of specializations.
How does the learning environment differ at Olin College and Florida Tech?

Olin College fosters a highly collaborative and student-centered learning environment. The small class sizes and emphasis on teamwork encourage close interaction between students and faculty. Florida Tech, while also offering a supportive environment, has a larger student body and a more diverse range of academic departments, which can lead to a different social and academic experience. The learning environment at Florida Tech is more traditional, with a mix of lectures, labs, and research opportunities.
What are the typical class sizes at each institution?

Olin College is known for its very small class sizes, often under 20 students, which allows for personalized attention from professors. Florida Tech has larger class sizes, particularly in introductory courses, but smaller class sizes are common in upper-level courses and specialized programs. The average class size at Florida Tech is still relatively small compared to large state universities.
How does the curriculum at Olin College compare to Florida Tech?

Olin College's curriculum is highly integrated and interdisciplinary, with a strong emphasis on design thinking and real-world problem-solving from the very beginning. Students often work on projects sponsored by industry partners. Florida Tech's curriculum is more traditional, with a focus on core engineering principles and specialized tracks within various engineering disciplines. Florida Tech offers a wider range of engineering specializations, including aerospace, ocean engineering, and biomedical engineering, which are not available at Olin.
What are the research opportunities like at Olin College and Florida Tech?

Olin College provides significant research opportunities for undergraduates, often integrated into the curriculum and project work. Students frequently collaborate with faculty on cutting-edge research projects. Florida Tech offers extensive research opportunities, particularly in areas like aerospace, oceanography, and space sciences, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and research centers. Florida Tech has a larger graduate program, which provides more research opportunities for undergraduates to participate in.
How does the cost of attendance compare between the two schools?

Both Olin College and Florida Tech have relatively high tuition costs. However, financial aid and scholarships are available at both institutions. It's important to compare the net cost after financial aid to determine the affordability for your specific circumstances. Olin College often has a generous financial aid program to make it accessible to students from diverse backgrounds.
What is the campus culture like at Olin College and Florida Tech?

Olin College has a close-knit and collaborative campus culture, with a strong emphasis on community and innovation. Students are highly engaged in extracurricular activities and often work together on projects outside of class. Florida Tech has a more diverse campus culture, reflecting its broader range of academic programs and student body. It offers a vibrant social scene with a variety of clubs, organizations, and athletic teams. Florida Tech also benefits from its location near the beach and the Kennedy Space Center.
What are the career prospects for graduates of Olin College and Florida Tech?

Graduates of Olin College are highly sought after by employers in various engineering fields, particularly those seeking innovative and design-focused engineers. They often pursue careers in technology, consulting, and entrepreneurship. Florida Tech graduates are also highly employable, with strong career prospects in engineering, aviation, science, and business. They are recruited by a wide range of companies and government agencies, particularly in the aerospace and defense industries.
Where are the campuses located?

Olin College is located in Needham, Massachusetts, a suburb of Boston. Florida Tech is located in Melbourne, Florida, on the Space Coast, near the Kennedy Space Center. Both locations offer access to a variety of cultural, recreational, and professional opportunities.
Which school is better for me?

The best school for you depends on your individual preferences and goals. If you are looking for a highly collaborative, project-based engineering education with a strong emphasis on innovation and design, Olin College might be a good fit. If you are interested in a broader range of programs, a more traditional academic structure, and a wider variety of specializations, particularly in areas like aerospace or ocean engineering, Florida Tech might be a better choice. Consider visiting both campuses, talking to current students, and evaluating your own academic and personal priorities to make the best decision.

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