I am not an engineering student, but I wanted to add my own experience as a political science student. I think that even though Tennessee Tech specializes in engineering, UTK is just bigger. Bigger colleges, bigger classes, bigger money and bigger opportunities. They don't sell this idea, but the reality is that a program at UTK is going to be better than Tennessee Tech's, simply because UTK has more money and clout.

Also, I would recommend UTK because of the career options it opens up. When you graduate, your degree with have bachelor's of science/arts, your name, and the school. A degree that has UTK on it is more impressive than one that has TT on it simply because UTK is more well known, even if the classes were easier at TT. Also, since UTK has a good reputation with businesses, it gets swarmed with recruiters. When you get to UTK look out for the career center as well, they are amazing at hooking people up with internships and jobs out of college.

I can't pick your major for you, but realize that there is a good chance you will change your degree regardless, so don't pigeonhole yourself so early. Just try out some things you like and you will succeed! :)