Hello! Ive been accepted to both Lehigh University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. For now RPI’s financial package is 5k better than lehigh’s but im still not sure which one to pick because they are so different. Since im studying biomedical engineering some suggest the more techy rpi but i also want some fun and DIVERSITY that i can find at lehigh. Oh and another difference is that at lehigh i got into the IDEAS program.
Please help me out here i dont know what to do!!!
Lehigh.
thanks @sdl0625 and why do you think so?
Students who are decisive in their preference for a tech-oriented environment probably would choose Rensselaer.
However, you seem to seeking a more general college experience, and Lehigh does offer strong engineering programs in any case.
Potentially you could flip these perspectives with further introspection, of course.
I think you will find better balance at Lehigh. Also RPI’s new ARCH program is still having glitches and with the COVID situation not sure how they will handle it and how it will affect incoming students.
Lehigh
@Luckyjade2024 even though some people say that RPI is more renowned for engineering?
RPI engages in technology projects on a world level. This might be something to consider depending on your interests.
https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/New-RPI-supercomputer-is-among-world-s-fastest-14888357.php
RPI is far better for bio-med engineering (and most engineering disciplines in general) although you’d probably be happier day-to-day at Lehigh. You need to decide how much you value a solid hard-core tech education and how deep your commitment to engineering is. RPI still manages to provide very high-level instruction despite longstanding problems with its current administration. The president’s contract is up in 2022, at which time the school should appoint a new leader and begin the long and difficult march to reclaim its former reputation and achieve financial stability. I believe this will occur, because at its core, RPI offers a very high level engineering education. The environment is hard-core tech, so beware of this. Could be a rough 4 years, but your future self might thank you when it comes time to look for work in the engineering field.
It sounds like Lehigh is a better fit for you, and IDEAS is a great program.
One objective measure when comparing programs/majors is starting salary. For IDEAS 2019 grads starting salary was $65K, RPI BME majors about $61K (2018 data, most recent I could find).
https://careercenter.lehigh.edu/content/outcomes-and-success
My D had both Lehigh and RPI on her short list and liked both for different reasons. D gave RPI the edge - she liked their facilities better, especially the new research building, and the techy vibe. She liked the STEM focus.
H and I gave Lehigh the edge. It was actually my favorite campus aesthetically of any schools on her list, and we loved the entrepreneurship program. Also loved IDEAS!
D wasn’t 100% sold on the heavy emphasis on greek life at Lehigh either and was a fan of getting to see ECAC hockey at RPI.
Ultimately she choose neither (she’s at Purdue) so I can’t tell you anything more beyond our impressions from our visits.
Academically I don’t think you can make a wrong decisions.
When you make your decision could you let us know which school you chose? I’m a fellow Lehigh IDEAS admit that is trying to choose between Lehigh and RPI as well and I’d love to know any other information you’ve learned that influenced your decision!
Hello, @lofihiphop I decided on RPI !!! I know it’s not what most people expected but in the end, I wanted a college that could best prepare me for the engineering world. Also, I think the IDEAS Program sounds cool but in reality, you don’t get fully prepared on the engineering part nor the liberal arts part, its sort of like half and half. Also, I kept doing research, and RPI engages in technology projects on a world level more so than Lehigh (as @merc81 said). If it helps, we incoming freshmen will receive free laptops at RPI. Hope this helps, if you have any other questions, let me know :))
Best of luck at RPI, @nimarcis!