Hey CC, anxious senior here worrying about where they’re going to college next year. I’ve done extensive research, visited both campuses, yet still am unable to come to a decision.
Ohio State (OOS): By far the cheapest option (I’d be paying ~6k/year). It’d be great to graduate with little/no debt for a solid engineering undergrad. I’ve been admitted into their Honor’s Program which has some solid perks, and visited the campus which I quite like. It’s in Columbus though, and while it’s a cool city and all it doesn’t have nearly the same level of internship and co-op opportunities which cities like Boston would. I love the school spirit aspect and community that I felt there when I visited. Also, it’s a large research university which is great for getting my feet wet. I just don’t know if the benefit of the cost would be worth not having those same opportunities/connections further down the line.
Northeastern: I live in New England so this would be the geographically closest school to me, reducing travel costs. I’ve been admitted to their Honor’s Program as well which has lots of cool perks (free international trips/dorms/classes etc.) Their co-op program is also probably one of, if not the best, in the country, and they also have a solid 5 year BS/MS degree program. Besides the cruddy weather, cost is the issue here again. After scholarships/savings I’d still be paying 21k/year out of pocket.
I’ve seen post after post saying that 6 figure debt isn’t worth it for undergrad, but I’m starting to realize why people are so conflicted about it. I think what I’m really struggling with is the balance of better connections/internships/co-ops/location vs. cost. I don’t want to put myself at a disadvantage to my peers because I’m scared to take out some loans. Is it worth it? Am I crazy? Someone talk me off a ledge please. To all the people out there who’ve gone through something similar to this, what are your thoughts? What was your ultimate decision? And do you regret it? My parents can’t afford to support me beyond the grants/savings I have, so all of the debt I’d graduate with would be in loans. I know that USNews ranks OSU as a better engineering program than NEU, but what I want to know is the oppurtunities/co-ops/connections that I’d get at Northeastern place me at a disadvantage compared to an OSU graduate??