<p>My daughter has narrowed down her decision to Clemson and the University of Maryland. Both offer the school spirit she desires. She loves the Clemson campus and college feel; however, she feels Maryland may offer more internship and career opportunities. She is also interested in politics and I am wondering if Maryland might offer a more open minded group of students. She plans to major in Communications and minor in Spanish. Clemson has offered her $7500 per year and MD nothing. Any thoughts from those familiar with either school? Also any knowledge of Communications programs and job placement from either school?</p>
<p>Maryland communications and politics are top notch. Internships are pretty easy at Maryland in these fields, with the feds omnipresent in DC and Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties. You haven’t told us the costs to you of the two schools, but I’d imagine Clemson is significantly cheaper. Ordinarily I would say go with the cheaper school. It’s only undergrad. But I don’t really know Clemson.</p>
<p>UMD is superb for communications/politics (with great internship opportunities) due to the location. How much would each school cost? Are they both within budget or would you have to borrow above the federal loans?</p>
<p>Both within budget. Clemson $7000 less per year than MD. How about atmosphere of MD? Clemson has such a college feel. MD is a beautiful campus as well but significantly bigger. Do kids at MD have that same happiness feel that they seem to have at Clemson? </p>
<p>I think that “happiness feel” has a lot to do with how the student fits there. Your D needs to think about where she will be happiest. Both colleges admit a high percentage of in state students, so each will have the demographics of their own state. UMD is more urban, probably more liberal and diverse than Clemson.
The locations are different in terms of climate, regional cultures. Would your D enjoy having access to Washington DC? Also consider what you would do with that extra $7000 a year- could it go towards internship expenses, travel abroad, or grad school? Have you visited both colleges and how does she feel towards each one?</p>
<p>We live in NJ so she is going to be out of state regardless. We have visited both schools. She thought both campuses were nice but definitely had a better “happiness feel” at Clemson. She does, however, love the DC area and all that it offers. We also have quite a bit of family in the DC area. She is quite torn - likes things about each school. Would love some feedback on Clemson’s communications program as she is concerned about internships and job placement if she goes there. </p>
<p>have D go to the Clemson forum on CC and ask about communications there.</p>