Drexel vs NJIT vs Stevens aka College decisions suck

Colleges and Universities A-Z Drexel University
1

I know there was another thread but I just wanted to hear some more updated info because the previous thread was from 2010. Any information on the co-op programs, study abroad, research opportunists, math course difficulty, or cross registration for any of the tree are greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

Background:
Chinese student looking into chemical engineering with a possible bio concentration and/or international business minor. Likes the the city to be easily accessible. Smaller class sizes (under 35) is by far preferred. Definately want undergrad research opportunity. Grew up in a majority hispanic community (70%+) so a diverse student body is also appreciated. Right now I don’t have any idea what my EFC is from FAFSA due to issues processing my citizenship information (I am an adoptee and for some reason my citizenship status was not confirmed by the SSA so I need to send proof to the colleges individually).

Drexel
+I know philadelphia already and have spent a lot of time in Chinatown growing up
+I know a lot of people in the Phily area that go to school at drexel or temple
+co-op opportunities and study abroad
+well known engineering program that is well regarded
+Liked the campus/enjoyed the atmosphere
-10 week terms (i took classes at community college for my senior year and have been spoiled with 15 week semesters)
-$$ it’s around 36k+ (w/o financial need based aid) just for tuition and board
-because of the above, i’m not sure that financing study abroad would be possible
-no latin aka no cross registration. i say latin because it’s the first class i noticed they don’t have, but they don’t even have cross registration with local schools
-It’s a large school and i’m nervous about what class sizes will be like

NJIT
+Cheaper than drexel with ~26k
+Has latin/cross registration with rutgers
+Near NYC
+Seems to have a very good staff
+Did i mention cheaper?
+Was given conditional acceptance to Honors College
+Does offer some co-op opportunity and study abroad
+Semesters are not 10 weeks of fire blazing hell
-Not as familiar with Newark
-Will cost some money to get into NYC/aka not as easily accessible
-Not certain of their reputation
-Notoriously hard math program? and while decent at math it’s really not my strongest suit
-Don’t know anyone at NJIT or in Newark
-ChE department is apparently not as up to date as drexel

Stevens
+Repuation
+Near NYC
+Knows someone in Hoboken
+Semi Familiar with area
+Cross registration with NYU
+Nice Campus/Liked the atmosphere
+Small. Very small.
-w/o knowing need based financial aid it’s $$$$$ at ~40k per year
-Zero flexibility outside engineering

2

My D is deciding between Drexel, Stevens, and WPI. She has many of the same concerns you have about the size of Stevens campus (small but GREAT location) and about costs. I don’t know that I can be very helpful, but I think that both Stevens and Drexel are excellent schools. (I don’t know that much about NJIT, but I assume it’s good also!). In the end it will be the place you know will be most comfortable. Both Stevens and Drexel do co-op, though it is more a part of the culture at Drexel. Drexel is a larger university, with many classes/courses outside engineering. And more activities and clubs. Do you prefer a larger school to the smaller, more “institute” feel of Stevens?

Maybe determine what are the one or two “deal breaker” issues for you. Is it the money, and you would be less stressed financially at NJIT? Or is it the campus size? Or location? Only you can decide but it could help to prioritize.

Good luck with your decision!