Introduction
Engineering continues to be one of the most popular career paths for international students. With demand for engineers in areas like technology, energy, infrastructure, and healthcare growing worldwide, choosing the right university can significantly impact career success.
Two U.S. universities that attract international students for engineering are Rowan University in New Jersey and Arizona State University (ASU) in Arizona. Both schools are recognized for strong academics, but their approach to engineering education differs.
This article provides a detailed comparison of engineering programs at Rowan and ASU, focusing on admissions, tuition, specializations, research, and job prospects.
Rowan University: Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering
Rowan’s engineering school was founded with a historic $100 million donation from Henry Rowan, making it one of the most well-funded public engineering colleges in the region.
Programs Offered
Rowan offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs including:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
Why Choose Rowan for Engineering?
- Hands-on learning from day one: Freshmen participate in real-world engineering design projects.
- Small class sizes: The student-to-faculty ratio is low, ensuring personal attention.
- Regional industry ties: Located near Philadelphia and New York, Rowan maintains strong connections with employers.
- Affordable tuition: Compared to larger engineering schools, Rowan provides a cost-effective education.
Rowan is best suited for students who want a practical, community-oriented environment and the ability to engage directly with faculty.
Arizona State University: Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
ASU houses one of the largest and most diverse engineering colleges in the United States, the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. With more than 25 undergraduate and 50 graduate programs, it attracts students from over 150 countries.
Programs Offered
Some of ASU’s most popular engineering programs include:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Computer Science and Software Engineering
- Robotics and Artificial Intelligence
- Electrical and Systems Engineering
- Materials Science and Nanotechnology
Why Choose ASU for Engineering?
- Global reputation: ASU consistently ranks among the top 50 engineering schools worldwide.
- Strong research funding: More than $100 million is invested annually in engineering research.
- Innovation leader: Ranked the #1 Most Innovative University in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report.
- Career-focused: Partnerships with companies like Boeing, Tesla, Intel, and Microsoft offer strong job opportunities.
ASU appeals to students looking for cutting-edge research, global recognition, and access to international career networks.
Tuition and Living Costs
| University | Annual Tuition (Undergraduate) | Graduate Tuition | Living Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rowan University | $24,000–$28,000 | $20,000–$25,000 | $15,000–$18,000 |
| Arizona State University | $32,000–$36,000 | $28,000–$34,000 | $12,000–$15,000 |
💡 Insight: Rowan offers lower tuition, but living costs are slightly cheaper in Arizona compared to New Jersey.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Rowan University
- Henry Rowan Engineering Scholarship
- International merit scholarships up to $10,000/year
- Departmental awards for high-performing students
Arizona State University
- New American University Scholarships
- Engineering department research assistantships
- Merit-based awards for international students
Both universities provide financial aid opportunities, but ASU’s assistantships and research scholarships are particularly attractive for graduate students.
Career Opportunities
Rowan University Graduates
Rowan engineers often secure jobs in the Northeast U.S., especially with civil, biomedical, and manufacturing companies.
- Average starting salary: $55,000–$70,000/year
- Employers: Johnson & Johnson, Lockheed Martin, local government agencies
ASU Graduates
ASU’s graduates benefit from its global employer network.
- Average starting salary: $65,000–$85,000/year
- Employers: Google, Amazon, Tesla, Boeing, Intel
💡 Verdict: Rowan provides strong regional opportunities, while ASU graduates enjoy higher global career exposure and salaries.
Research and Innovation
- Rowan University: Emphasizes applied research, sustainability, and industry-focused projects. Students are encouraged to work on community-impact projects.
- ASU: A global research hub, focusing on AI, robotics, aerospace, renewable energy, and nanotechnology. International students often participate in large-scale, grant-funded projects.
Student Experience
Rowan University
- Campus size: ~20,000 students
- Strong sense of community
- Engineering clubs and design competitions
- Easy access to Philadelphia and New York internships
Arizona State University
- Campus size: 150,000+ students
- Over 1,000 student organizations
- Diverse international community
- Arizona’s tech industry offers internships with startups and big corporations
Which is Better for International Students?
Your choice depends on your budget, goals, and career plans:
- ✅ Choose Rowan University if you want:
- Affordable tuition
- Small classes and personalized support
- Regional job opportunities in the Northeast U.S.
- ✅ Choose Arizona State University if you want:
- A globally recognized degree
- Access to major corporations and research projects
- Diverse career opportunities worldwide
Conclusion
Both Rowan University and Arizona State University offer excellent engineering programs, but they cater to different needs.
- Rowan is ideal for students who value affordability, smaller classes, and strong community ties.
- ASU is the better option for students seeking global recognition, innovative research, and high-paying career opportunities.
👉 Learn more:
ASU Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering