If you have an interest in aeronautical engineering, then by all means pursue it. However, an engineering degree is not a requirement for a flying job. Most airlines accept any accredited 4 year degree. Due to the nature of this business, you may even be better off pursuing a non-aviation degree which can give you income and employment prospects if you are laid off. For the flying part, go to the school that has the best reputation for good training and placement. You don't have to do both at the same place. After a 21 year career with more downs than ups, my advice is to have a "second" avenue for income and pursue it during your career. It's not a big deal when you are young and single, but when you have a family to support and are in your 30's and beyond a job or medical loss can hit you quite hard unexpectedly. Since you live in TX, have you considered TSTI, Waco or CTC, Killeen? They used to have good flight programs. For the degree the University of Texas system is pretty good (UT, A&M etc). Why pay out of State tuition when you have good in State schools?