<p>My son was accepted into Drexel for Mechanical Engineering and got over 10K in merit money. We're from northern NJ, so the Drexel is just right in terms of distance (2-3 hours by car . We can visit, or not, without a lot of hassle and cost. He can easily come home and visit whenever he likes.</p>
<p>He was also accepted into a few out of state schools, on the top of the list is Purdue (no merit money). Purdue has a very highly rated engineering program. But the cost and hassle with travel to Purdue is what is drving us to consider his other options, like Drexel.</p>
<p>What do you think? The basis tuition/housing/meal cost are the same, so assuming I can foot the bill for the added travel expenses, is Purdue's higher rating for engineering worth the hassle? Drexel usually appears must lower than Purdue in rating lists for Engineering.</p>
<p>They are both excellent schools for engineering and good choices. Personally I would make the decision based on how you weigh the more obvious differences rather than USN&WR ranking or distance. Purdue offers a large campus experience in the mid-west. Drexel offers an urban environment in a nice city but without a campus. The Drexel co-op program is also an important consideration as it is very appealing to many people. An engineering degree from either school will position your child equally well.</p>
<p>USNews Rankings should not really ever be taken into account when you’re choosing a school. The rankings have nothing to do with educational quality.</p>
<p>Have your son go to each school and decide after seeing them in person which is right for him.</p>
<p>I just visited Drexel today. Did you visit Purdue? Very different campus. Urban or rural? Both excellent coop. Very impressed with Purdue facilities and engineering ranking.</p>