Northeastern vs Full Ride at UConn?

I’ve been accepted to both school in the exploratory/undeclared programs. My interests include sciences, chemistry, math, medicine, psychology and spanish. I’m considering going pre-med and minoring in spanish. I also plan to walk-on to the D1 athletic teams at either school.

For Uconn, I got the presidential scholarship which covers full tuition so I’d only pay room & board & fees for abt 15k yearly. At Northeastern, I got the Dean’s scholarship and family financial aid so it would cost abt 25k annually.

I love both schools even though they are very different. I love the opportunities for coop and study abroad at Northeastern as well as the amazing sports and husky pride at uconn.

Is it worth it to turn down a full ride at uconn to go to northeastern? Would it be that much of a difference if I like both schools? Anyone have firsthand experience with either school?

Thanks!!!

You have full tuition at UConn, not a full ride since you have to pay room and board. Can your parents pay the difference for Northeastern without excessive loans?

You are correct, I have full tuition. Full ride is the commonly used but misleading term for the scholarship I’ve received. My family could probably pay for Northeastern without excessive loans. We don’t talk too much about financial stuff because they want me to make a decision based on what’s best for me as a student. But if I do end up going to grad school or med school, would I be better off going with the cheaper option?

@Ind5677 UConn is a top school. Less debt would be better. There is no reason you can’t study abroad and have an internship at UConn

Both are really good options. UConn is very strong in materials science if you are considering that. Think about whether you are a city person or a country person. The countryside around UConn is very rural but beautiful. If you go to Northeastern, you are in the heart of Boston. Think about whether you want the city outside every time you open your door. Northeastern has a nice green area in the center of campus. Check with the D1 coaches if they will accept a walk on - that could make your decision for you.

It looks like the money issue does concern you, so see if you can squeeze a bit more information out of your parents. Where would the 15k for UConn come from for the first year? If you chose Northeastern, where would the additional 10k or so for the first year come from? What plans are in place to cover any increases in cost each year? If you choose the less expensive option, will there be money left over to help pay for grad school?

If athletics is a significant factor for you, have you spoken to both coaches about your ability to walk on, and how much competition you’d be likely to see? Have they put you on their Institutional Request List with the NCAA Eligibility Center? Even as a walk-on you will need to go through the NCAA approval process for D1.

@emandaye Please stop giving bad advice.