<p>Northeastern is #2 on my college list (rejected from #1). But I've just received my decision from Drexel. Drexel was safety for me and I wasn't very interested until...</p>
<p>Drexel gave me a $21,500 merit scholarship and an invitation to the Honors program (I don't know if this is for 4 or 5 years, I'll use 4 years for the rest of this post). And I'll find out how much need-based aid I'll receive on February 2 (I'll assume $5,000 for the rest of this post).</p>
<p>Northeastern didn't give me any merit money nor an invitation to the Honors program. And offered me $18,000 in need-based aid.</p>
<p>I know Northeastern is ranked 56 while Drexel is 83 by U.S. News. My major falls into the Business schools of both universities and Drexel is not ranked by Business Week.</p>
<p>I also prefer Northeastern's semester system to Drexel's quarter.</p>
<p>My question to CC is what justifies spending almost 30k more over 5 years at Northeastern, not to mention the price of rent in Boston. Are Northeastern's co-ops a lot better? Are the career prospects different with a degree from Northeastern compared to Drexel?</p>
<p>Do what you can afford to do- its not all about prestige. I’m not a business major, but I believe that Drexel has a fine business school. My advice usually is to go where you can afford. If money is not an issue, and you can truly think of a reason as to why Northeastern would provide you with a better undergraduate experience then go for it. However, I assume you are planning to obtain your MBA? If so, Drexel may be the better option since graduate school is extremely expensive. The one drawback I have heard is that, in Business, it does matter where you go for undergrad, but Drexel has been steadily improving over the years and I highly doubt anyone would say that
Is offers a bad education. I’m not a proponent of either school( even though I, personally, decided not o apply to Drexel) but you should do what feels right and is feasible in the long run, regardless of prestige or “name-brand.” While it may be a bit easier to obtain a co-op at northeastern, it is certainly doable at other schools. (advisors)</p>
<p>I think it is worth the extra 30k, especially as a business major. Northeastern is one of the best business schools in the nation for undergraduate studies. like the poster above me stated… undergrad matters for business a lot. If you think about it you will be able to pay off that extra 30k through your co-op experience. I’m pretty sure each co-op makes an average around 20k a semester in the business school. I personally like Boston a lot more than Philly as well. I don’t know if you visited Northeastern, but it is in a great area. If you don’t mind me asking what was your EFC?</p>
<p>Thank you for your opinion. Northeastern is the only school I visited during my college search. I do prefer Boston also. </p>
<p>My EFC and FAFSA forms differ greatly from the CSS Profile because my parents are not married and thus I only reported one parent, the one with the greatest income, on the FAFSA. My EFC is ~1500, two zeros. </p>
<p>I asked Drexel if the scholarship was for 4 or 5 years, it’s for 5. So per year tuition would be ~$12,300 total 5 years ~$61,500. Northeastern per year would be ~$22,000 total 4 years of tuition ~$88,000. Room and board is about the same. </p>
<p>Unless Drexel also gives me a GREAT need-based package (unlikely with merit package) I will be going to Northeastern. I have family in friends in Boston and those connections and networks will be worth the extra money. Not to mention Northeastern has better co-ops (investment banks, consulting firms etcetera), and a better reputation.</p>