<p>I have just been accepted into my 2 top choice schools, American University and Northeastern University. I plan to to major in International Studies. I know that American has a well known program for International Studies but Northeastern has the Co-op program which would allow me to study abroad alot, which I would love. Also, I feel like Boston is too close to my home and I would rather live in DC. </p>
<li><p>Which school do you think is better? Academically? Socially? Overall?</p></li>
<li><p>If Northeastern is offering a 12 thousand/ year scholarship and American gives me no merit money, which school is the better choice?</p></li>
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<p>I would love any info/ pros and cons for either school. Thanks!</p>
<p>Here is my 2 cents when it comes to American University, I am not sure about Northeastern.</p>
<p>They have an extremely good International Studies and have an excellent turnover rate to the top graduate universities for international relations like georgetown, johns hopkins, gw etc. They are a tad pricey, especially if you doin't get any merit money, but they aren't absurdly so (like george washington). DC s amazing in my opinion, and it is one of my favorite cities in the world (I have traveled throughout the United States and Europe). If it matters they do have a "dry" campus, where no alcohol is allowed on campus, but there are still plenty of parties, and if you can't find one, you can just head cross-town to gw or georgetown through the metro it you really want to. It also has a beautiful camups in my opinion. </p>
<p>Good luck I hope this helped.</p>
<p>I'd pick American. It has an AMAZING international program, and really, DC is the best place you can possibly be for the field.</p>
<p>And I agree that the campus is beautiful.</p>
<p>I'm a DC-native and might have a bit of a bias, but if IR is your thing than you def want to pick American, provided you can cough up the cash. I have a friend who went there and he seems to love every minute of it.</p>
<p>Thanks for the help. I've been leaning definitly towards American so I think now its just a money issue.</p>
<p>Does anyone know how much time I would be able to spend abroad at American? I belive at Northeastern students can go abroad for 3 semesters or more.</p>
<p>Too bad Northeastern does not participate in the Washington Semester at American University program. Nonetheless, take the money and run to Northeastern and then go to DC for graduate school.</p>
<p>My only problem with NE is that they really don't have much of a name in the field...</p>
<p>If money's the issue at American, call the financial aid office. They can find ways to help make it more affordable.</p>
<p>Thanks. Anyone else?</p>