Boston University or Northeastern University?

<p>Pros and cons? I heard that northeastern has a co op program...what's the good in that? I need help deciding between the two! Thanks!!</p>

<p>Bump Bump!</p>

<p>Co-op program or cooperative learning is when you depending on the program take off the semester and work and internship most of the time paid. They help you gain valuable experience and often lead to employment before you finish your education. More along the lines of learning while doing as opposed to lots of programs that maybe more theory based.</p>

<p>So basically you don’t have to go out and look for internships yourself. They’re helping you get them.</p>

<p>So do you think coop is worth it?</p>

<p>My son got accepted to both universities and chose BU. They are both excellent choices but there are several reasons why he chose BU: Exceptional reputation of his program: Sargent College; same type of experiential learning opportunities but you don’t have to go 5 years to get your degree; BU has beautiful facilities including dorms. BU is in a better neighborhood. BU gave him a better scholarship!</p>

<p>From a mostly unbiased standpoint (which is hard to justify as a rising eagle), I would prefer NEU. BU has a better name brand internationally and is somewhat more prestigious, but the co-op program at NEU is excellent, and almost everyone I know of who has been a part of the program is doing very well in terms of post-graduate employment.</p>

<p>We looked at both schools. The reason to go to Northeastern is the COOP program. In this day in age to come out of the school with “real life” work experience which also can offset the cost of your college education is a serious consideration. Northeastern is also more self-contained building/dorm wise. My feeling is however, if you want the full college experience BU should be choice. The campus is more attractive with it’s better location and newer facilities. There seems to be a greater variety in extra curricular activities. My sense in visiting both schools is that there is more school spirit at BU than at Northeastern.</p>

<p>BU’s liberal arts program is considerably better than NU. While it’s true there is no co-op program at BU, the BU professional schools, especially Management, Comm, and Health Sciences all have extensive connections for internships, which (unlike NU, which is mostly Boston-area) are often in NY & LA. Extracurriculars at BU are far superior, too.</p>

<p>I agree that the coop program should be an important deciding factor. If you feel you would benefit by breaking up your classroom education with internships and graduating in 5 years with work experience, then Northeastern’s coop program might be best. If you would rather get through your class work in four years and have summer work experience, then BU might be the better fit. Also BU is a larger school which you may or may not like. Two reasonable people can have two different answers to this so do what feels right to you.</p>

<p>Bottom line: if you’re professionally oriented (want to major in business, engineering, computers, etc.) and want hands-on experience as part of your studies, pick Northeastern. Most of NEU’s students are focused on a specific career, they’re less into the humanities and the arts, which also means the humanities and the arts are weaker at NEU. </p>

<p>If you’re uncertain what you want to study but are generally a humanities person, pick BU. There you will find a greater number of students who like learning-for-learning’s sake. And while it’s hard to find a school that offers more in the way of internships than NEU, BU also has extensive connections and will help you find internships in your field.</p>

<p>While all the comments above ^ are correct, I think you should also look at the school itself. </p>

<p>BU has a more city feel to it and is literally a strip of schools.
NEU is a campus in the city.</p>

<p>Also, consider visiting both the schools on the same day. Start with the one that you are leaning least towards and then do the one you like a little more. That way, you can see how the people are and how you feel on campus.</p>

<p>As for education, BU and NEU are both really good schools and each have an aspect to them that they are known for. If you want to get a job straight out of college and network, go for NEU because of their co-op program. (Yes, you can graduate in 4 years if you only do 1 co-op). </p>

<p>BU,though, helps get its students internships. My cousin goes there and I’ve also visited the school, and have heard that they are excellent at helping students gain those opportunities.</p>

<p>I hope I helped you and didn’t confused you more!</p>