<p>Hello everyone. I am thinking of math/econ/philosophy major. I have 0 financial aid at Northwestern, but a government organization in my country pays for me if I come back and work for it for 5 years. At Carleton I got 100% need met, offered 40k a year, and named a Kellogg International Scholar. Purely in terms of finances, I would chose Carleton because while I am planning to come back, I do not want to engage in any contracts which would bind me for years ahead. But being an international student, I don't know much about the universities, outside the information I have got from several current students on facebook. How do schools compare in these particular majors? If I understand correctly Northwestern is more biggish and research-ish university, while Carleton is oriented at teaching the undergrads? How is the on-campus experience? I like to study, but I am not a 24/7 nerd, and I guess you could call me outgoing. I don't drink, smoke, or do drugs. I am looking for peers who fit the description of down-to-earth, simple, etc. What would you recommend? Thank you!</p>
<p>Carleton hands down. Northwestern isn’t worth 40K/yr more. If you are concerned about the name recognition of a LAC in your home country, just get a master at a research U. That way, you save boatload of money and get that worry taken care of. That’s assuming the 5-yr contract is already out of question.</p>
<p>As a Carleton Alum, I’d say you are a good fit for Carleton. I took a number of classes in both the math and econ dept. Both depts are good and the teachers were excellent in each. Some of the intro math classes were tough, however that will be the same anywhere you go. As I remember the econ dept was especially good. They send people into PhDs, and major Wall Street Banks(At least when there were still jobs on wall st. they did.) They had some famous profs teach there too. Check out the web page. The econ dept also has a study abroad program at Cambridge for a term(you could be a Brit for all I know, so maybe this wouldn’t be so special). I’m not sure about philosophy.</p>
<p>Check USnews for rankings…Carleton does well…take usnews rankings with a grain of salt though.</p>
<p>I like that you’re looking for down-to-earth and simple. When I was there, people at Carleton prided themselves on being down-to-earth and simple. As for alcohol, smoking and drugs, the latter two played no role in my Carleton experience. Never felt any pressure on either. Carleton is a wet campus. People drink there. There is even a bar on campus. You may feel a little pressure as a freshmen to have a drink some Friday or Saturday night.</p>
<p>Lots to do on campus. Social life mainly focused on floors, majors, and extracurricular activities. No Fraternities or Sororities. I always though Carleton had a very attractive campus. Check out the pictures on the Carleton web site.</p>
<p>Quick answer: CARLETON COLLEGE!!! They have a great economics department, great mathematics department, and just about anything else there is outstanding as well. My daughter is there and loves it. The professors are available and love to teach. There are small classes and while it is rigorous you do not have to book it 24/7/365. Carleton College has a long, strong track record of sending many undergrads on to top masters and PhD programs as well.
Also, Carleton College tries very hard to take care of it’s international students. All in all, particularly given the financial package, Carleton is your NO BRAINER.</p>
<p>Go with carleton. Like what Sam Lee said, northwestern does not worth 40k a year.</p>
<p>Another vote for Carleton!</p>
<p>Thanks everyone for the detailed replies. I am choosing Carleton for now.</p>
<p>@jack63 the exchange with Cambridge sounds really attractive.</p>