George Washington vs. Northeastern vs. Lehigh (Engineering)

College Search & Selection
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Hello! I was hoping for some outside input on which college to select. I have a lot of great choices, but I narrowed it down to these three. I am looking to pursue some sort of engineering, most likely mechanical or computer, with a focus on futurstic solutions and robotics and a possible job with government in the future. In terms of finances, they all come in at roughly the same, and I have the top scholarship for all 3. Below are some of the pros and cons I have for each.

George Washington
Pros:

  • great city location - lots to explore and do
  • lots of opportunities for internships
  • smaller engineering school, so a more personalized approach
  • easy to get to from home (2 hours)

Cons:

  • included work-study in fin. aid - worried about availability of jobs?
  • no defined campus, few grassy spaces
  • lack of school spirit and community
  • just now building a dining hall, may be some kinks?

Northeastern
Pros:

  • admitted to honors program - extra funding for study abroad/ research
  • co-op program - great opportunity for career experience
  • very flexible with switching majors
  • more defined campus, Boston is great for a college experience
  • seems to have an emphasis on expanding programs and opportunities
  • top-ranked, maybe some name-brand recognition?

Cons:

  • Farther from home (5 hours)
  • colder climate, not a fan of snow
  • some claims of lack of adivsing, mental health resources, etc.
  • bigger engineering program, not as personalized

Lehigh
Pros:

  • very close-knit, involved student body, lots of clubs
  • lots of school spirit
  • lots of nice grassy spaces, beautiful campus
  • well known for engineering, lots of opportunities for innovation and the future
  • close to home (1.5 hours)
  • good work-play balance
  • seems that administration is truly involved, best interests in mind

Cons:

  • literally on a mountain - lots of stairs!
  • farther away from any major city - may be harder for valuable internships?
  • not sure if I will be joining greek life, heard its hard to get into the social scene without it

I’m sure there are many more pros/cons that I may not be thinking of, so I truly appreciate any advice! thanks! :slight_smile:

2

You are looking for reasons not to like any.

I think in your case Northeastern is best but judging by what you wrote Lehigh is a nice in between. There’s not much difference in weather from Bethlehem to Boston and the co OPs mean a lot. You note the hilliness of Lehigh. It’s not that bad honestly but if you have a physical limitation maybe it could be an issue.

Being two or 5 hrs from home. Honestly who cares ? If you want to be home, go to college near/at home.

I don’t see GW as a fit for you at all other than you said maybe you’d work in government. And you can do that from all three.

Good luck.

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I’m a NU parent. Today in the Parents Facebook group, a parent posted that when their son (MechE and Robotics) was making a college choice 3 years ago they connected with a robotics professor and students and visited the labs and that was helpful. Maybe the admissions office can help you. Today that student is active with his work with NU Robotics, ASME and the NASA Moon to Mars Ice Drilling and Prospecting competition. His first co-op was at a stealth robotics start up in Silicon Valley. Co-ops can be done anywhere and NU has student housing in different places, including Mountain View, CA, so that could be a way around the weather. My son (not in engineering) hasn’t had issues with advising or mental health. I think they are doing more outreach about their mental health offerings. Boston is a great college town. Heard the Honors dorm is very nice.

We visited Lehigh when there were no tours due to Covid so maybe my impression wasn’t the best. I didn’t like the hills either but my spouse told me that was why 50 year olds don’t go to college.

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