<p>I want honest answer(s) please - I know this may be biased due to the posting location!</p>
<p>The title may seem a bit misleading, but it basically sums up the point.</p>
<p>I am majoring in business at the undergraduate level. My two choices of schools come between Northeastern University or the University of Pittsburgh. At the University of Pittsburgh, I would be double majoring in Business and Statistics (or Mathematics), and at NEU I would just get a BSBA in Finance & Insurance. Both programs (double major at Pitt or the three co-op program at NEU would take 5 years) The NEU program is ranked slightly higher (by Businessweek - #22 vs #86 for Pitt) but USNews rankings are closer (about 10 apart).</p>
<p>The cost can be a factor as well. I am planning to go for an MBA. NEU's program would cost about 40K a year (including room/board) not factoring in any co-op salary. Pitt would cost just about 20K a year. Pitt doesn't have an active co-op program, but is ranked slightly higher overall. Also, I don't know how much the co-op factors into tuition in a five year plan.</p>
<p>Opinions please! Basically, does the co-op program at NEU make it a much better choice (despite being double the cost)? Thank you.</p>
<p>Please! Stop with the ratings. Really. The only rating that counts is YOUR rating of the school, and you won’t know that for sure until you attend. Northeastern is one of the top schools for for internships/coop education, and assistance with getting a job after graduation.
The Northeastern program, in my opinion and the opinion of my students who have attended, seems to help with both graduate school and heading into work with strong experience. When I worked as a VP at AT&T in NJ, we actively sought Northeastern students for coop opportunities. I’m not sure whether NEU restricts coop activity to the Boston area, now, though.
IF you are certain that you will continue your education, then Pitt might be your choice. It’s less important where you do your undergrad than where you do your grad. To answer your question Does the coop program make it a MUCH better choice? Maybe.
Big help, huh?</p>
<p>I agree “your rating” is the only rating that counts. Don’t factor in the coop money into your consideration, the money you earn pretty much balance with your room and board in that period. Have you visited both schools? which one that you feel more comfortable? if you want to know the job opportunities after graduation, usually you can take a hint from school’s placement office.</p>
<p>Honestly, regarding the “prestige” thing, few people have heard of Northeastern outside of New England. I guess that is more of brand awareness though.</p>
<p>But take the advice above and do not rely solely on rankings or “prestige”. The difference in “prestige” is negligible between these two universities. Find the best school for you.</p>
<p>I had already paid my deposit to the University of Pittsburgh since I was initially waitlisted at NU and lost interest in it. I was admitted off the waitlist, and have not received any merit aid from NU. Therefore, in the interest of finances and the fact that I love Pitt & the area/school, I will be honoring my decision to attend the University of Pittsburgh this fall. Thank you guys for the input(s)!</p>