I’m stuck between three schools right now- Penn State, Drexel, and RIT. I hope to major in graphic design and minor in marketing, but I’m not sure which school is the best fit. I was accepted into both Drexel’s and Penn State’s honor programs. I like that Drexel is urban and seems to have a nice program (but graphic design definitely isn’t the most popular major here), but I’ve heard RIT has the better program. Penn State is also a good option, but the most expensive school out of the three (for me, based on what I got in financial aid) and it also doesn’t have a co-op program. Currently Penn State is my #3 but I’m wondering if anyone has any input on this school. I’m honestly more stuck between Drexel and RIT specifically because they both have co-op programs, which I think would be super valuable to have. Any input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks
I know RIT does indeed have a good program based upon student (graduates) I know and they loved their experience there. However, I can’t compare to Drexel because I don’t know of any who have gone there for that major. If PSU is more expensive, you can definitely cut them from the list unless you have other reasons for wanting to go there.
Can you list, for each university
(tuition fees room board) - (grants, scholarships) = …
What’s your parents’ budget (from savings and income)?
Have you been admitted to PSU University Park or a branch campus?
Co-op program is a big plus.
( @MYOS1634 )I’m just gonna round for each-
RIT- $33k
Drexel- $25k
Penn State- $36k
I’ve been admitted to University Park. Penn State is the most expensive, not by a lot but I’m not sure the extra money is worth it if the program isn’t the best and they don’t offer co-op. I’m also not a huge college football fan or anything like that so there’s nothing crazy in particular that draws me to it.
None of these are completely out of my parents’ budget, obviously Drexel looks really nice because of the price to them but they also don’t want me to pick a school solely on the price- they want me to go wherever I can get the most out of my money. They also aren’t paying for my whole tuition, I would also be paying part of it.
Penn State Schreyer is a very big deal that’ll carry weigh throughout the Mid Atlantic and Northeast. It’s certainly your best choice academically (and it should come with a 5K scholarship).
So, email the college right now and ask 1° whether co-op is possible and if so, how 2° what percentage students have summer internships.
If co-op matters to you, then Drexel is the right choice.
Both would be the best value.
by far RIT is the best choice of the three for graphic design and they are generous with scholarships. Also RIT is stronger academically than Drexel, and Penn and will be well recognized. Having said that, there are many other and better choices if you want to pursue graphic design for example probably the strongest choice for the combo of GD and advertising is VCUARTS , then there is parsons, pratt, risd etc.
I would second eliminating Penn State for the reason that 1) more expensive 2) no co-op and 3) doesn’t sound like a fit personality wise (i.e. not a football fan) Penn St may have the overall name recognition, but I would look specific to your field…and I cannot stress enough the value of co-op experience. Good luck! Sounds like you have some solid choices!
@stones3 @engineermomof2 Thanks everyone, I ended up choosing Drexel. Even though I know RIT has a great program, when I visited I just didn’t feel happy. I know the importance of going to a school with a great program, but I also want to make sure I don’t feel miserable there for four years. I made this post before I visited RIT and although it is a great school, it didn’t feel like the perfect fit for me, even though I wish it did. Also, I know art schools have much better programs but I also want to go to a school that has other options, just in case I change my mind and want to do something completely different that I also have interest in, such as psychology. Drexel has a good graphic design program (I know not as good as RIT), but I do think that the program is also what you make of it. I’m going to be in the honors college there and will be taking every chance I get to advance my education and my career, whether it be through co-op, internships, attending guest speaker events, making connections, graphic design groups, etc. Thank you so much for the help though, hopefully my choice was the right one that will prepare me and make me happy. 
@nn117913 I have twins that just finished their freshman year. One of them is majoring in Graphic Design and English at Moravian College. She decided early on to not attend an art school, hoping to get a more well rounded education and leave the door open to easily switch gears if her passions change. She actually won her high school’s graphic design award, which came with a large scholarship to RIT, but we had already ruled it out for a variety of reasons.
She also decided not to look at the Philadelphia city options, like Temple or Drexel - just a bit of insecurity regarding that environment. But one of their best friends from high school is at Drexel and visited last weekend, along with two of her college friends. They are all pursuing different areas of study, but they were all very pleased with their experience thus far. I think you made a wise choice and will be happy there.
@nn117913 sounds like you made a logical, well thought out decision! Best of luck to you!
best of luck to you and you’re right “school is what you make of it”.