Northeastern Vs. Fordham

<p>I'm looking into both Northeastern and Fordham's business colleges. I'll likely be a National Merit Finalist next year, and both offer full scholarships. I was wondering if anyone had any input on these two Universities? If someone could list the pros and cons of each, that would be really helpful. Thank you!</p>

<p>My daughter got into both schools last year (although not the business schools) and ruled out Fordham almost immediately. She felt she would feel closed in on campus there and liked that Northeastern was actually in the city. Also, Fordham was actually pricier (remember even with NSMF full tuition there is still room and board to pay). She had gotten what was an excellent offer from Fordham to be in their very elite honors program (they only choose a handful of kids for this program) and that to her was a negative - she would be required to take special core classes which only the honors kids attend. Also, Fordham is Jesuit and has a much stricter core than NEU. And I haven’t even touched on NEU’s co-op program.</p>

<p>I’m in the same boat as you and have chosen NEU. Heres why:</p>

<p>I visited Rose Hill campus at Fordham and its exactly as kiddie described, enclosed. It’s a gated community surrounded by a not so nice area of NY. Was even advised by my tour guide to avoid a certain area (…and they’re even instructed not to talk down any aspect of the school, so this must’ve been pretty real for him to mention). </p>

<p>On the other hand, I recently visited Northeastern and it looks like it’s expanding. Look at one of their maps, you’ll see a core area with a lot of a green campus. But then you’ll also see that it looks like they’re buying up a lot of the property around the campus, and making it much larger. The buildings all looked really new and modern (could be good or bad depending on your preference). </p>

<p>One other thing to consider is the curriculum itself. Fordham has a huge liberal arts core, so you won’t end up taking most business classes until late on. And Northeastern is 5 yr co-op, giving hands on experience. Two COMPLETELY different philosophies, so it’s your preference. </p>

<p>In the end, I figured Northeastern had a better feel, better academics and would give me much more opportunities for the future. </p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

<p>Thank both of you for your input! I appreciate it. </p>

<p>@ Kiddie, did your daughter get into any type of honors program at Northeastern similar to that at Fordham?</p>

<p>She is in the honors program at Northeastern and it is much less selective than the Fordham one (I think they aim for 10% of kids entering each of the schools). I believe they also offer honors by default to all NMF. The best thing about honors at Northeastern is the great housing - they live in IV during freshman year (in either single or doubles with a shared bath to another single or double) and then they can live in west village F or C in future years (apartment style with full kitchen, living room, 1-2 baths, and either 4 or 6 kids in doubles). The academic requirements for honors are you can take honors classes - either electives created just for honors kids or honors sections of classes (which would be much smaller and not require recitation sections). You can also do an honors capstone type project if you want. The honors kids move in freshman year a week early and participate in many welcome activities. They also offer some honors activities throughout the year but my daughter has not participated in any (things like they have 10 tickets to see the play war horse - as you can imagine these tickets go very fast.) You also have an honors advisor (in addition to other advisors) and the honors advisors are good.</p>

<p>Congrats to you, both are great choices. You might want to think about where you want to live after you graduate. Fordham/NYC v. NEU/Boston. Both schools will help you get jobs.</p>

<p>Congrats from me too. Agree that they are both fine choices. I think it really depends upon the student as to which environment is preferable. My son liked Fordham much, much more. He wanted more of the traditional college, rah, rah, liberal arts and felt that NEU was just did not have the right feel. My other’s son’s best friend who also had the same choice–and he also was a NMS, ran without a thought to NEU. My son who toured NEU with him did not care for the atmosphere there. So it really can depend.</p>

<p>Thanks again for all of the feedback. It’s very helpful! </p>

<p>@Kiddie, the honors program at NEU does sound very appealing. I think there are pros and cons to the honors programs at both schools. Also, has your daughter studied abroad at all?</p>

<p>No abroad yet - still only a freshman. However Northeastern does have a unique study abroad where the kids can go for a month over the summer with a Northeastern led group - called dialogues - you should check it out on their website. There is even an annual dialogues to Rome which is honors only. [Dialogue</a> of Civilizations Programs | Study Abroad at Northeastern University](<a href=“http://www.northeastern.edu/studyabroad/programs/?type=Dialogue+of+Civilizations]Dialogue”>http://www.northeastern.edu/studyabroad/programs/?type=Dialogue+of+Civilizations)</p>

<p>I think it depends a lot on where you feel you fit better-you will hear that over and over again but it is important.</p>

<p>NEU is very different-not only being in a city but with the coops people are all over the place at different times-after freshman year they scatter. If you want a more traditional college experience from what I understand that would be Fordham. </p>

<p>My son is at NEU and he did the Dialogue to Rome last summer-it was an incredible experience and by all means if you go to NEU do try to do that-however it is a competitive program so he was fortunate to get there on his first attempt.</p>

<p>His friend picked BC over Fordham and NEU and he is very happy at BC-he didn’t care for NEU at all and wanted the college experience offered by BC-he is happy because he is at the place that fits him.</p>