Looking for some comparative perspective on these schools. I am an OOS (NJ) interested in engineering (undecided). I am trying to weigh cost and value of education, and anything else that might tip the scales.
All are very good options; go with the least expensive one.
If you’ve done research you would know that the least expensive is Ohio State. I would say quality of education is equal at OSU and UMass, a bit less at Penn State.
Penn State is definitely at least tied with Ohio State for engineering, and I would say UMASS is below both of them. OSU will be cheaper than PSU, not sure about cost at UMASS.
Agree with @brianz87 with the assessment of programs. Penn State and OSU have a better national rating than UMASS. Other issues, including the overall feel of the school, has to be based on your personal likes and each are very different (having visited each of them a couple of times now!) But overall, if cost is a consideration, I would consider going with the least expensive.
Thank you for the input! I have been to PSU and OSU, and plan to go back in the next few weeks. Cost is a big consideration, but I’ve heard quite a bit about the alumnus at PSU. I want to give myself a fighter’s chance to succeed (and pay off school loans). From what I’ve gathered, PSU rates slighter higher in Engineering. UMASS comes in about 9K less than PSU (waiting for OSU’s package).
@collegelife2015 We are from PA and I definitely can attest to the power of the PSU alum! My S also got into Penn State but is going to OSU. He is a biology major; the two schools are very closely matched. He loved both schools- big campus, strong sports team, etc- but chose OSU for a couple of reasons including he was looking for closer proximity to a city. And for us, OSU comes in about $4-5000 less per year. You won’t go wrong wherever you decide to go!
They are great schools! I would go with the least expensive option. I’m also from NJ and might go to OSU next year for engineering
Check and see when the decision point is for declaring your major. At OSU, for my son’s interest anyway, it was a year earlier than PSU. That worked out ok because he knew what he wanted to major in and, in fact, even got a headstart (so he’s now a Soph in freshman yr). That may or may not be better for an undecided. Also see what the requirements are to get into majors at each school (something we hadn’t looked at). OSU was cheaper for us, too, which the dh liked!