Notre Dame vs. Northeastern

<p>D (NMF, 2240 SAT) admitted EA to both schools.</p>

<p>Northeastern offers 4 yr full tuition merit scholarship, extra money ($8000) for international co-op/Study abroad, and participation in new University Scholar Program (The Northeastern University Scholars Program) within NEU Honors Program, which would provide special advising, research opportunities, small honors classes, etc.</p>

<p>ND, of course, does not give merit aid, and we do not qualify for need-based FA.</p>

<p>D is leaning hard toward NEU--Boston, Co-op, Honors, etc. She really liked it when she visited as part of the USP weekend. She is interested in biology/marine bio/environmental science, but also likes a myriad of other disciplines.</p>

<p>I am a loyal ND alum, but feel like NEU may be the right call here.</p>

<p>Thoughts?</p>

<p>It depends on whether almost a quarter million dollars in cost (ND) will pay off for whatever future career she chooses. If your D could get the same job/opportunities with a degree from Northeastern then it makes very little sense to spend ~250k on ND.</p>

<p>you have to ask “what is the reason DD will be going to college? and what is a path she can aspire to?” Usually that means coming out with a degree and an internship or two to make her attractive to employers, build skills, etc. It sounds like you will be getting that at NE. The coop experience is different as you will certainly not be spending 8 consecutive semesters with the same people - even if you go 8 consecutive semesters. However, you come out an experienced, hopefully paid confident young person with little debt.</p>

<p>mnmomof4, I live in the Northeast and Northeastern has become a very hot school to apply to. Wow, that is a tough offer to turn down from NE! If money is not an issue then it really falls to where your daughter sees the best fit. I know of several kids who are at or have graduated from NE and they loved their undergrad experience there. If she is looking for a great college town, it is hard to beat Boston. Congrats to your daughter on her hard work. Whatever her decision you must be very proud of her. My husband is the ND grad but I think he would strongly advise my daughter to take the NE offer. Best of luck to the both of you.</p>