I know a lot of people have wondered between these two colleges, but I can’t seem to find the answers geared towards me, so I was hoping some of you would be able to help. I’m looking to major in chemical engineering, and I’m deciding between Northeastern University in Boston, and WPI in Worcester. I received about $5000 more per year at WPI, but this isn’t the biggest factor that could make or break my decision. I was wondering if anyone had any insight on the chemical engineering programs and the reputation, or as the schools as wholes? I like the co-ops offered at NEU, and the fact that it’s large and in the city, but I’m unsure as to whether friendships and a social life could really be kept with the constant switching between a 6 month co-op and 6 months of school. The project-based curriculum, tight-knit campus, and quarter scheduling is intriguing at WPI, but I’m not sure if the school is so STEM based that there’d be no focus on anything else, or if I’d be bored to tears in the town/small campus. (Also curious, again, about the chemical engineering programs/reputation, etc.) If anyone could help me out, I’d be so grateful 
I’m visiting both campuses again next week, so hopefully my decision will become easier then. Thanks to anyone and everyone that can help!
Two good and very different choices. I can’t comment on NE, as it wasn’t on my son’s list and we didn’t visit, but I’ve heard good things, especially about the mandatory coop. It’s hands on in a different way.
WPI is a cool, quaint campus. All the students seemed happy there. You won’t do only tech stuff. You’ll typically take two tech classes and a humanities class in the 7 week term. As for stuff to do, Worcester isn’t Boston, but that might be an advantage. It’s only a 50 minute train ride, but not so close to be an easy distraction. WPI also offers something most other engineering programs don’t, real study abroad. You do 7 weeks away, if you choose, working on a real engineering project, not just getting some GE out of the way.
My son almost chose WPI. He liked it a lot. It lost out to another school at the very end.
You have two great options. Enjoy your campus visits.
NEU CS student here who chose over WPI. I think @eyemgh’s assessment is very good with a few additions/corrections.
My one correction: NEU co-op program isn’t mandatory, though I think that doesn’t matter to you as you would probably take advantage of it.
When I was choosing, WPI’s quarter system was a big plus for me too. It’s a legit program, and the experiential learning is much better than most schools. I would say the co-op program has a slight edge, but WPI is very comparable.
Many people on co-op still stay on campus and are still part of the community. I don’t think the social life is affected too much. You don’t even start being affected by co-op until your second year. Your entire first year every freshman will be on campus except for the NU.in program. I wouldn’t worry there.
Those were some of the reasons I chose NEU. Others were closer proximity to Boston (I go out into the city regularly while still maintaining a good GPA) and the slight edge of co-op. I think WPI and NEU engineering/CS is on a very similar playing field, perhaps better engineering at WPI by a slight edge even, but NEU has much more balance socially and academically.
Hope some of that helps! Do take everything with a bit of bias there, though I try to be as objective as possible. I was in the same situation a year ago myself. Either would be a fine choice.
Thanks to all of you- very helpful feedback! Hopefully my decision will come easier after this info and after my visits next week