I was accepted into Purdue and Northeastern. I am an international student and I want to become and industrial engineer. Honestly, I can’t decide between them. Purdue is more famous but I am familiar with the area of Boston and the program at NE seems very interesting and the job offers during and after NE. Purdue has a better ranking and that is one of the main factors making this decision difficult but NE is not that far behind. I would really appreciate your input in the matter. P.S: don’t take money into consideration.
They are comparable enough in ranking so I would not put much weight on that factor. As an international student, would you have any problems with participating in Northeastern’s co-op program - that is it’s main distinguishing factor from Purdue.
NEU student here - I would agree of course with @singermom4 on the prestige as well. The co-op program at NEU makes a big difference with the experience you get there, which becomes more important than where you go to school very quickly, especially in Engineering. Both are high-quality engineering schools. From your post, it sounds like you prefer co-op and Boston - I say go for it! I’ve absolutely loved my time here. While I’m actually in CS, I know plenty of engineers having a good time here too - one is actually working for iRobot on her first co-op as a sophomore!
Northeastern for the co-op opportunities, and Boston.
That will matter more than rankings.
@Singersmom07 Hello thank you for you answer. Could you explain a bit more “As an international student, would you have any problems with participating in Northeastern’s co-op program - that is it’s main distinguishing factor from Purdue.” would i have problems getting in the co-op programs because i am an international student? Do i face a similar problem in Purdue?
Co-ops don’t require visas so you’d be fine.
If companies choose students for co-ops, then being an intl will matter. If the company does not hire int’ls (and many will not or cannot), then it’s not likely that these companies would select an int’l for a co-op.
Not exactly true… because H1B has lots of hurdles (money, proof no American’s qualified for the job, legal team) whereas co-ops don’t have all these hurdles, so that companies that don’t hire (H1B) have no problem taking international co-ops, since they don’t hire all their co-ops.
@Kingriver Do you find any value in the fact that West Lafayette where Purdue is located is a terrific college town? This seems more about the perception of Purdue’s location.
http://www.businessinsider.com/the-20-best-college-towns-in-america-2015-12
Being an international student shouldn’t be any big problem for co-op’s. I have a good friend from Iran who has 5 different offers within the first month of her co-op search. While it may limit options slightly, the majority of co-ops will have no problems with international students.
@OnTheBubble I really don’t find the college town thing that appealing. My dad went to a college town in Texas (maybe i don’t remember well) and he is all for it, he says it is part of the college experience and such. But I don’t really like the small town with the limited options, even one with a strong sense of community and everything centering around the students life. I am the independent type, i prefer to have multiple options and move around. One of the main complains I here from my parents and other people I asked is “But NEU doesn’t has a campus”. I already visited the area and I don’t think that is entirely true, they do have a somewhat define area inside the city.
@Kingriver What kind of budget will you have for recreation. Boston is very expensive, in fact the most expensive city in the world for college students.
While Boston is a bit more expensive, it is neither the most expensive for college students (New York anyone?) nor is it required to spend tons of money to enjoy a city. Simply having more restaurant options for the occasional meal out, nice parks and downtown areas, and other benefits all come cost free. Not to mention that NEU has free admission to the MFA, ICA, and has regular free or discounted activities around the city ranging from concerts to going to the Aquarium.
I think a bit of spending money in Boston is well worth it, but I don’t think it should be a make or break. Picking up a job on campus would give you more than enough spending money if that made the difference.
kingriver, we are also facing the same issue. How to select between Purdue and Northeastern for Engineering and then Business. Cost wise Purdue is cheaper, But one of our friends in Boston area suggested to choose Northeastern where we have to pay 15000 more per year. Purdue is world famous Engineering University but Northeastern is not that well known also it is more of a mix of various disciplines, If you have taken the decision please advise and the factors you have taken into account to reach.
I am in a similar position as you. I got accepted into both of them for Business and finances do not bother me at all. However, as famous as Purdue is in India (where I live) and almost everyone from India chooses to attend Purdue, I am still going to side with NEU for its amazing co-op systems and how important it is in to live in a city. I feel Boston will bring me a lot more networking and connectivity as compared to West Lafayette. Also, I have grown up in a fairly big and posh society in India and I feel like I would adjust a lot better in Boston. Hope that helps you, if we are in any case similar. 
In your case, I think it’s important to first see if NEU is even affordable - while I love NEU, there are a ton of great schools and Purdue is very strong in many ways - no school is worth going into significant debt or hardship over with other great options available. If you went with NEU, where is the extra money coming from? Will there be debt at either school? How much?
In terms of differences, I think they have been covered here well. While Purdue has a top class reputation for Engineering, academically both schools are comparable. Northeastern’s prestige is consistently growing as well, and it is already very highly regarded in the northeast US for engineering and more.
The co-op program at NEU is amazing and you will be able to get incredible experience and connections while in college. Boston is also an amazing city whereas Purdue has more of a college town feel - your preference there is something to be considered as well.
I’m not as familiar with Purdue comparativly - I would recommend finding someone who is and talking to them to find out what other things they liked in Purdue that others may not be aware of.
Okay thanks
Decided to enroll NEU. Paid the enrollemnt deposit today. Thanks to
PengsPhils and NinjaTurtle1. Will see you guys soon.