<p>Hi, how would you rate NEU against a RPI for engineering? We live in NJ and I am trying to figure out what NEU offers that is so special (other than the co-op) that I should seriously consider it for engineering. Can any existing NEU students comments - especially engineering students if possible?</p>
<p>Co-op does give students a terrific edge in the job market. But many students also find that NEU gives better merit scholarships than RPI. </p>
<p>Try adding more information about your college priorities. Then maybe some NEU can add related feedback.</p>
<p>My daughter is a freshman in engineering at Northeastern. One thing that set Northeastern apart for her was the ability to study abroad while in school, which is often difficult for engineering students. Not only can she do the typical semester abroad, which they support, she can do a co-op abroad. And they have study abroad trips called dialogue of civilizations during the summer sessions which offer additional opportunities to travel and get credit.</p>
<p>If you haven’t already done so, I would post this question on the RPI page, too. I believe there are co-op opportunities there as well.</p>
<p>In looking at locations, you need to ask yourself if it is important to you to have a vibrant city surrounding your campus where you can explore or are you happy just staying on campus. There is no comparison between Boston and Troy…Boston will also give you amazing coop opportunities. Go visit each campus and make sure to look at the surrounding area in the day and night. Boston is like one large college campus, where students feel comfortable walking around day and night. Northeastern has two T-stops on campus and it is also under a ten minute walk to the Prudential Center and all the shopping and restaurants on Newbury Street.</p>
<p>Yes, my recollection from our RPI visit is that they do have some co-op (and summer intern) opportunities. It’s just not part of the culture like it is at NEU, where all engineering students do 2 or 3 6 month co-op rotations. Many live on campus while they do so and continue with their campus connections and ECs.</p>
<p>Troy is rather dull. But often serious engineering students spend most of their time on campus. And RPI does have a lovely campus. NEU is surprisingly “campus-y” for a city school, but it is definitely in a city. Some kids would prefer one over the other… others could thrive in either place.</p>
<p>Both are great schools. I would suggest you visit both and, depending on your thoughts, consider applying to both and then decide.</p>
<p>My S goes to RPI and he did a co-op during his junior year (and made up the courses, so he is graduating on time). A lot of students do co-ops at RPI, the school is very encouraging and helpful during the whole process. Of course, at Northeastern the co-op program is much more integrated into the whole curriculum.</p>
<p>Needless to say, there is a very extensive summer intern program at RPI.</p>
<p>Here is some information regarding co-ops at RPI (as well as job placement) that you may find helpful. It is for the 2010 - 2011 academic year, as the report for last year has not come out yet:</p>
<p><a href=“Home | Career and Professional Development”>Home | Career and Professional Development;
<p>Someone else will have to post Northeastern’s Career Services annual report, as I was unable to locate it.</p>