<p>Having a tough time deciding...Civil Engineering...which would be best for s's career?
Drexel: honors college and accelerated degree ($15000 scholarship)
PSU: instate
Pitt: instate
UMass Amherst: honors college ($8500 scholarship), out of state
UMD: out of state, no scholarship offered</p>
<p>I want my son to have a fun time and come out with amazing opportunities. Drexel has the masters and the 1.5 years of coop built in. PSU is highest ranked for engineering and for recruiting. Pitt seems more prestigious. UMass offered him a great scholarship and is ranked high in the world rankings. UMD is the most prestigious of the list. I believe he could get fellowships for earning his masters at the other schools, right?</p>
<p>Please share thoughts.
Thank you!</p>
<p>PSU probably ranks no. 1 for fun on the list. It is the no. 1 favorite of job recruiters overall, and no 9 for engineering, per a wall st journal article. So I really don’t think you could go wrong with that choice.</p>
<p>Drexel has the benefits of the coop program which could help your son get a job. With the $15,000 scholarship that helps to equalize the costs vs. PSU but you may have to pay for an extra year as I think most of Drexels programs are 5 years including the coop?</p>
<p>I really like Pitt too though I don’t know a lot about its engineering program. It is less of a party school than PSU but kids there are still really happy. There is plenty of school spirit. </p>
<p>Unless your son feels strongly, not sure why you’d consider out of state publics over PSU or Pitt.</p>
<p>Thank you for your very thoughtful response full of excellent points.<br>
UMass ends up the most affordable with the scholarship.
I can use that to negotiate/appeal other offers that come in next month.
I do think engineers need a masters degree. Drexel gives him that in the 5 years. It would take longer to earn the masters at other schools. We live 20 min from Drexel. I feel my son is leaning the most towards Drexel.<br>
I am a PSU alum. I love PSU. I would choose it again. It is the highest ranked school he has. He can do coop there without tuition during those time periods. It would take longer to earn the masters, but who wouldn’t love an extended stay in happy valley?
We are going to Pitt’s admitted student day next month. He wants to check out the area again. We have Drexel’s this weekend, PSU in April, and UMass in April, too.<br>
Thank you for helping me/listening to me during this big decision day.</p>
<p>helimomter- my D is now deciding between Pitt and PSU…she’s an undecided major–we’ve been to Pitt twice and she really loves the city of Pittsburgh! If you have not already been, don’t miss the Cathedral of Learning and the Nationality Rooms on your visit to Pitt!</p>
<p>My D is attending an admitted student visit at PSU next week. So hard for her to decide between two great schools, but in the end I think she may choose Pitt because of all the things to do in the city. We’ll see!</p>
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<p>We were at Drexel’s Scholars Day yesterday. The school has a lot to offer: 1.5 yrs coop, masters degree in 5 yrs. BUT The costs for the coming year was posted. $49 - his $15 is still very high. They are mailing financial aid packages this week.
rocknroll52: Looking forward to what your D decides, too! Which school is closer to you?
I hope it is still possible to select housing when my son decides and all of the final financial offers arrive.</p>
<p>We are in the Philly area so Pitt is farther; though neither is really close or convenient. I am hoping she will make up her mind soon so we can send in a deposit and get working on the housing selection! Pitt guarantees housing for 3 years which is really nice. What kind of housing does Drexel offer?</p>