Help!!! Washington State University or Oregon State University?

College Search & Selection
1

I am a transfer student, who was accepted into both Oregon state and Washington state university; and I am totally torn on which to go to.

I am interested in majoring in something along the lines of Environmental Engineering, Agricultural science or Environmental science. I am also very intrigued by OSU’s Ecological engineering degree. I am kind of a unique person (haha), I don’t care too much about getting a super cookie-cutter degree, and would actually prefer something a little more unique; which is why academically I lean toward OSU and their eco. engineering program. From my impression WSU was more traditional. However they are very similar in that they’re both public research institutions that started as agricultural schools. Neither one is really known for being especially unique, coming from someone who’s attended The Evergreen State College.

OSU is out of state for me and therefore higher tuition, but money is not an issue for me and I won’t have any debt. I also have a small scholarship with OSU.

I’ve visited both colleges and attended their one-day programs for admitted students. I’ve read their websites, looked at reviews, statistics etc. thoroughly. I get the impression that WSU has a slightly better reputation, but big picture its pretty much a toss up.

Good-vibes and support for LGBT students and multicultural students/students of color is another thing I’d like to see in the school I choose. After visiting both the colleges I got the impression that OSU was better in this department, but I have seen some rankings online that say the opposite; again they’re very close.

I like OSU’s location better, and they are closer to the coast which for me is beneficial both academically and personally. The dorms are better at WSU but I kinda couldn’t care less.

I also got accepted to WWU, so maybe I should just say screw it and go there haha.

2

Seems clear based upon your post that OSU is the school that you prefer.

3

Both schools are kind of in the middle of nowhere, but location doesn’t matter as much as academics do.

I know a few people from my state (Southeast US) who go to WSU and they love it. They’re in the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture and they told me that WSU puts a lot of emphasis on their environmental studies department, which is good for your major.

Also, OSU’s civil engineering department is AWESOME.

Honestly, it’s up to you. You shouldn’t pick a college based on overall reputation. Make sure you like the place you go to. You’re going to be there for a few years and you don’t want to be stuck somewhere where you absolutely hate.

4

Yes I agree, increasingly that’s where I’m leaning. I wanted to make sure no one would have any info that might change my mind.

5

Thanks, yea I agree I shouldn’t pick a college based on rep. I don’t hate either school which is part of my problem, they both left really good impressions on me.