Northeastern University vs University of Washington vs University of British Columbia

So I have been accepted to the universities named above and I like that they are all in big cities. I am an international student but have studied at American International Schools in China and Egypt for most of my life. I want to major in Computer Engineering and need some advice on the above.
I know that UBC and UW are quite similar but what about Northeastern’s Engineering program? and how helpful and essential is Northeastern’s Co-op program? Will it help a lot getting a job after graduation?
Any input on these Universities would be awesome!

Thank you!

I don’t know much about UBC, I know UW has a fine program and will serve you well academically, but I can give you some info on Northeastern and co-op.

About 50% of Northeastern students get full time employment offers from one of their co-ops. Even those who don’t will have gained invaluable experience that will look great on your resume. Northeastern’s career services is #1 in the US according to the Princeton review. I would certainly give weight to that in your decision.

The program itself is comparable to UW at the least. Once again, I don’t know UBC at all.

Hope some of that helps! As a NEU student I can also answer any specific co-op questions you may have.

namanzam -

You need to contact Northeastern and ask specifically how the co-op program works for international students. US students don’t have any restrictions on where and how much they can work, but you will.

To be perfectly honest, I’d recommend UBC over UW and Northeastern simply because of the work permission issue. Canada has fewer restrictions on employment while you study, and on permanent jobs after you graduate.

Are you a direct admit to UWA CS/CSE?

How much does each cost if you calculate (tuition, fees, room, board) - (scholarships, grants)?

Thank you all for your replies! @MYOS1634 I was not directly admitted to the CS/CSE program but I am in the Pre-Engineering program. Should this change the way I look at my decision for UW? I thought it gets you to the same place in the end?

Yes. It’s very difficult to get into CS/CSE at UWAsh. It’s a competitive process and only about a third of the candidates make it. So while you may be allowed into an engineering specialty you like, it’s not guaranteed, and it’s risky for CSE.

Nothing in life is guaranteed. If you have a GPA, SAT or ACT at or above the 75th percentile of the entering class at Washington and are serious about your studies, your chances of graduating with a coveted UW CS/CE degree are high.

This post by a current student has more information to consider:

http://www.quora.com/What-is-it-like-to-be-a-computer-science-major-at-the-University-of-Washington