I got into both UVa’s Rodman Scholars Program and Northeastern’s University Scholars Program. While I was admitted to the Computer Science departments of both schools, I’m kinda undecided between a career in CS and Finance.
Because of UVa’s extremely beautiful campus, better weather, and seemingly more fun people, I feel like I’ll have more fun at UVa. McIntire’s target school rep also keeps my options open, should I have a change of career plans and shift to finance. I also generally like how there are gardens and trees in the campus (compared to NEU). The problem is that I’m an international student (though interestingly, my sister’s American by birth), and that I don’t qualify for any aid at UVa - except the Rodman Scholar’s stipend of $2000. I’ve also been hearing that the engineering department at UVa isn’t as good, and that the school emphasizes on the CAS. I also heavily prefer the honors housing at UVa compared to NEU, it just seems more home-y.
At Northeastern though, I think I’ll have lots of fun too, but I don’t think their campus is a pretty one. When I visited, it was freezing (in spring) and it seemed like a concrete jungle. I love Boston though, and I like the focus and attention that the USP gives the scholars. With regards to my undecided-ish career path, my program at NEU is a double major in CS and Business. Moreover, my tuition and fees would cost significantly less that that in UVa (20k vs 60k). I also have issues with the breaks and terms at NEU, since I hear that they study and coop a lot, so there’s a chance I could rarely go home if I get homesick. I’m also unsure about staying in school for 5 years, though I have the option of overloading and finishing in four.
Lastly, I’m kinda thinking about transferring after my first year (if i can, I love MIT and CalTech too much. I might go to the IMO this year). In that case, would UVa’s better reputation allow for a better chance to transfer? I’m fine though with staying at NEU or UVa for my whole college life. In terms of ROI and average starting salary, UVa’s CS grads earn around 20k a year more than NEU’s, even if they graduate in a year less.
My main question is, would a better college vibe and better prestige justify an extra $40k a year? My family can take on UVa’s tuition, but it’d be a burden.