Hello everyone! I’m a senior in Florida planning to apply Early Action for Northeastern. I heard from my older sister who was accepted with a half-scholarship (decided not to go) that it has a really, really good Co-op program. I think my chances of getting in are pretty good, looking at my GPA and SAT score compared to those at my school who got accepted. If I do get accepted, I’m now between Northeastern and UF (for sure I’m getting accepted). UF because it’s pretty good also and my cheap in-state tuition is already paid for, but Northeastern for their famous program. I also heard that people are offered full-time jobs with nice pay by their co-ops after graduation which I love the sound of.
Now my question: Is the Co-op program worth it for the full out-of-state tuition?
I have absolutely no work experience (well if you count 540 volunteer hours, that’s a different story) whatsoever, and my major is undecided. I’ve always wanted to be a website developer or graphic designer of some sort, but my parents discourage that because they say that my dream sucks basically, lol. So then my second choice is maybe accounting/business-related because it’s easy to find a job there in that field. Is there an opportunity available for someone novice like me or an introductory co-op available that also gives decent pay? Maybe I sound too narcissistic or hopeful, but I really am considering Northeastern for their fantastic Co-op program.
$50K a year tuition at NEU vs free Tuition at UF (Bright Futures)? No, NEU’s co-op program isn’t worth it, since you can pursue a co-op at any school.
At NEU they have a co-op coordinator that works with you to complete a resume and find a co-op. They also require that you take a “co-op” class before you start your co-op.
At schools like UF, you apply to co-ops, much like you would for an internship. You work with the career resource center (CRC) to prepare your resume and apply to co-ops, internships and finally jobs. At UF there is less hand holding, you’ll have to choose to pursue a co–op and do your own research on companies, etc.
UF also gives you the choice of NOT pursing a co-op and instead go the internship route. Summer internships (or Fall/Spring) allow you to graduate on time, and start working earlier. However, you do have to work to land one, it’s not automatic.
By the way, you could have several other reasons to picking NEU, but don’t do it simply for the co-op. Perhaps you want to live and work in the Northeast? Other programs offered by NEU? Do your research.
Also, consider that NEU may offer grants and finacial aid; it may not be full pay.
But don’t decide to spend $50K more a year simply for a Co-op, especially since they can be done at other schools (though NEU’s program is excellent).
30+ yrs ago, NEU used to own the co-op space (with a few others). Most kids went to 4 yr schools and graduated with no real work experience. An NEU kid went through a 5 yr program and graduated with a full yr worth of work which was very meaningful on two levels: 1. to gain employment from that same or equal company, and 2. to see if you like that type of work (within your major).
Fast forward to 2018. Many schools have a vibrant internship program. They partner with major area employers and some national ones to accomplish much of the co-op track, which is to provide the employer with a work ready employee and the student with a quality job. Depending on the school, you’ll get varying levels of support. NEU’s co-op is quite structured with pipelines in to certain companies (so it will be easier), but career services at many schools have improved their internship resources.
I see co-op as a nice advantage but would focus primarily on the academics and fit of the school.
I love NEU and it was a wonderful place for my daughter. However, given spending $50K a year full price vs. free or low tuition elsewhere - go elsewhere. No school is worth $200K - NONE. The decision may change if you should get accepted with a good merit package that makes the two schools similarly priced.
NEU offers a few full rides, if you are a strong student, try for that. I think Gainesville is outstanding, for many majors, including business. Its one of the top public schools in the nation, with strong pre health, engineering, accounting and I bet web design. Its a bit isolated, and Boston is a more exciting location. If you cannot afford NEU, don’t think twice, but if your parents have the funds, and support your idea of going to college in Boston, then at least apply and see how you do for merit. Its getting difficult to get that NEU half ride though, so you will need to have top grades and scores to win that. And remember at NEU you will be taking 4.5 to 5 years for a bachelors degree and your job connections will be in the northeast. You cannot opt out of co op at NEU its required.
Keep in mind to be a CPA you need to complete 150 hours of coursework, which is more than a regular degree. Some schools offer a masters to get this done, others offer extra course load for their bachelors to get this. If you are serious about accounting, keep this in mind when comparing schools.
@Dustyfeathers Coop programs are not all that common. At schools with optional coop students have to deal with making up coursework and being out of sync with the rest of the university. Some schools with optional coop programs actually discourage it as it will hurt their four year graduation rate. There are also varying degrees of support offered to the student to find a coop position.
@Coloradomama The only full rides offered by Northeastern are to a limited number of students graduating from Boston public high schools who show great need and potential. Full tuition merit scholarships ae not available either.
That said, full pay at most any private university is not worth it.
If a Boston area college and likely NE job opportunities are what you’re seeking, you might want to consider applying to a few of the excellent Boston area schools. Another one to consider for business oriented students is Bentley. Very strong majors, internship results with top rated Career Services department, and great merit aid. Lots of full, half and one third scholarships. Tons of kids working for all the major banks and investment cos, industry, Big 4, etc. If you could get into NEU, you’d be a good merit candidate at Bentley. Worth checking out.