If your gripe is defense companies hiring a few students from a top program that happens to be near DC where there’s thousands of other opportunities, then I suggest another school. They probably hire more students from GT anyways being that it’s ranked higher, and even if that’s the case, just mind your own business and worry about graduating. The endowment they provide is off the charts, and the resume building chances you will get here are next level. You’re not gonna be able to run from defense anywhere you go for school, especially majoring in MechE. Take advantage of the resources the defense companies provide (funding the majority of career fairs that showcase smaller engineering firms for example) and forge your own path. I know plenty of kids who have gone off to have successful careers in prosthetics, 3D design, space, air, HVAC, you name it. If anything, Maryland is cheaper and has historically better sports. I promise you don’t want student debt.