<p>Have you visited both campuses? As a Boston native, I know the NU campus and it is a true city campus. Because of the coop program isn't NU a 5 year program? If so, factor that into your cost considerations. Closely compare the dept which you plan on majoring in. </p>
<p>Don't worry about having fun, if you end up at the school that fits you, you will have fun no matter what the location.</p>
<p>S currently attends Northeastern. Students do not pay tuition while on co-op, so tuition costs are the same whether 4 or 5 yrs (ie 8 semesters). The only added costs for a 5 yr program are for housing/meals - unless you do your co-op in your hometown and live at home. For me, having tuition spread out over 5 yrs reduces my out of pocket cost each yr which is a little easier for me to budget, and S has been paying housing/meal costs during co-op from his co-op earnings (but he is also studying engineering and often those co-ops pay higher than others).</p>
<p>S faced a somewhat similar choice when he was applying - NEU v larger higher ranked state flagship. He chose NEU primarily for the co-op opportunities (but also fell in love with Boston!)</p>
<p>I will add that as an engineer at a large Boston based firm we pay coops (from schools including NU) very well, many, many times minimum wage. Most of these coop students are offered employment after graduation.</p>
<p>You should definitely think about whether the coop program is for you. Scansmom has some great info. in her post. I will add though that this past time it was more difficult for the students to obtain good coop opportunities. However, students who were diligent in their efforts and work hard at it ended up with decent coops.</p>
<p>I have visited both campuses.</p>
<p>I think the coop/5 year program is definitely a positive, and one of the main reasons why I am still highly considering Northeastern. I visited BU and BC and just really didn't like their campuses, otherwise I would have definitely considered them because I like the Boston area and they are highly ranked academically. I don't think Northeastern is too far below them academically though.</p>
<p>I recently found out that I wasn't accepted into the school of business at Maryland, but into the college of letters and sciences...I would have to reapply to the business school as a junior if I decide to go there. Is it worth it to take the chance? If I don't get into the business school as a junior I wouldn't be left with many options.</p>
<p>No. Smith isn't great enough to put up with that hassle. Go to wherever you get in. Screw them for not wanting you.</p>
<p>As an Alum of Northeastern's undergrad business program - I have bias. However, the co-op program, especially for business majors, cannot be understated. While attending NU as a Finance major, I had co-ops in a small management consultancy in Boston, Clairol in Connecticut and at Microsoft in Redmond, WA. Those experiences, combined with the connections made during those placements, provided significant advantages upon graduation. Real-world experience will outweigh college ranking in most interviews.</p>
<p>I love Northeastern and all that it has provided me. I hope you are as happy with the school of your choice, wherever that may be.</p>