<p>I will have to look at those statistics again, which were discussed in both college’s presentations, but I can’t remember the details exactly. My overall impression was that while they both talked about and encouraged coop opportunities, Purdue seemed like they would offer a bit more counseling and support with scheduling to keep the students on track to graduate on time. At Penn State it seemed like my son would have to advocate for himself much more to stay on track. Which unfortunately I’m a little worried about since my boys seem less inclined to do that in general compared to my girls…</p>
<p>Purdue has a very strong network in the Midwest. Both are strong regionally. If you went to the South or West, I doubt there would be much difference in perceptions of Purdue and Penn State. Living in NY, there is a strong influence from the nearby state flagship schools. If you are looking for a “NE feel” then obviously the choice is Penn State; just recognize that it’s a regional bias.</p>
<p>OP, I have 2 nephews who recently graduated from Penn State engineering. They had great summer engineering jobs and no problems finding jobs after graduation. I live near Purdue and know several students in the engineering program there and also many Purdue engineering grads. Both engineering schools have a great reputation. Purdue is definitely a rah rah sports school- priority is basketball but many, many alumni head to Lafayette for those fall football games. Large Greek presence.
As far as Purdue and counseling, my perception is that, as at most big schools, the student really has to be on top of things and be his/her own advocate or opportunities will be missed. The son of one of my good friends is at Purdue for engineering and has had very worthwhile engineering co-op experiences while another friend’s son there had no clue about co-op opportunities.
If your son already loves Penn State, it seems that should be the obvious choice and the bonus for you is that it is much closer to home.</p>
<p>After all this great input, I am def leaning toward Penn State all things considered, esp ease of getting there. I’ll keep you all posted and thank you all again for your valuable input : ))</p>
<p>There used to be (maybe still are) chartered busses to Long Island during Penn State breaks that make travel easier.</p>
<p>One other thing - Purdue has a new president, Mitch Daniels (former governor and briefly a Republican presidential candidate) who has definite and sometimes controversial ideas. I think Purdue graduates more engineers than any school in the country. The controversy comes as a result of MD statements regarding the liberal arts (sounds like he’s all for trimming LA and focusing on technology). If your child is one ofmthe many who changes majors, would one school be preferable over the other?</p>
<p>I def think Purdue is all about the engineering and think that could be why their overall university rankings might be such a contrast to the better engineering rankings. And yes, another reason Penn State might be better for our son, just in case he switches out of engineering.</p>
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<p>~Does happy Nittany Lion dance~</p>
<p>Lots of good advice, and yes, there are break buses that go to NY. Also, student tour guides on campus are “required” by tradition to respond to every “we are…” so while on a tour you get that a lot as students “pick on” those backwards-walking ambassadors. In normal circumstances, they aren’t calling out like that. Cause that would be kinda weird 
S2 hates sports and is about to finish his first year at PSU; he has been very happy, yet serious about his classes and feels very much accepted and at home that way.</p>
<p>Yay, NYmom! Please keep us posted, but I’m glad you are leaning towards PSU.</p>
<p>Now listen, I could use everyone’s prayers on October 12th when Penn State (husband’s alma mater) plays U of Michigan (son was just accepted). For whom am I supposed to root???</p>
<p>We are… wolverines! </p>
<p>That won’t work.</p>
<p>Purdue is strong in Engineering but it also has strong programs in the STEM fields. Pharmacy is another top program there. I guess I would look at programs outside of engineering to see where the fit lies. There is a high likelihood he won’t stay with engineering–just to confuse matters more :D.</p>
<p>Getting to/from Penn is going to be easier but Purdue is an easy ride from both Chicago and Indianapolis so there are options there.</p>
<p>Good to know greenbutton</p>
<p>Thanks for your support : ))</p>
<p>My #2 almost went to Michigan but got into wash U at the last minute. Great town Ann Arbor! Congrats! Book your hotel room early. That Campus Inn books rooms like a year in advance according to the football schedule (or something like that). I just remember almost having to book for parents weekend the previous spring and they were telling me they were booked! Very serious sports fans there too.</p>
<p>If everything else is pretty equal, I would go where the traveling is the easiest. As well, internships may be easier to get at a school closer to home if he wants to do summer internships and live at home.</p>
<p>Just want to let everyone know that he picked Penn State as predicted! Thank you all very much for your advice and sharing your experiences. I’m sure others will also benefit from this great information as they google search into the future. Many thanks : )))</p>
<p>Best wishes to your son!! I hope that he has a wonderful time and makes great use out of his years in the Happy Valley.</p>
<p>One must… The Creamery on campus for ice cream. ~sigh~ I miss that place! :)</p>
<p>Thanks so much and yes, we already had the pleasure during our visit a couple of weeks ago. He even got a free cookie dough shake when someone before him changed their order!</p>