<p>So I am a senior in the top 3% of her class who has enough AP credits to knock off atleast a year of study. I am currently accepted to both the Ohio State Honors Program and the Purdue Honors Program. I plan to study Mechanical engineering at either of these schools but am having a difficult time deciding between them. </p>
<p>I am in in-state Ohio Student who will be paying about $20,000 at OSU and approximately $32,000 per year at Purdue. What is really important to me is the Co-Op, research, reputation, international work-experience, and overall campus vibrancy components. I am not completely sure I will be majoring in Mechanical engineering but will definitely be exploring something engineering related, most likely computer, electrical, or biomedical. While my parents are comfortable spending either amount I would obviously prefer to save them any additional costs.</p>
<p>Obviously Purdue has a higher ranking than Ohio State, but I am still having trouble making this decision...Any ideas, opinions, or feedback would be much appreciated. Thank you in advance!</p>
<p>Obviously, Purdue’s Engineering Programs are more established, and highly respected across the nation. However, there are certain some pros if you end up attending TOSU at C-bus.</p>
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<li><p>Environment: I’ve been to West Lafayette, and there is really not much to do at night or on the weekend. Columbus is a vibrant city filled with seemly endless Buckeye spirit / sports all year round.</p></li>
<li><p>Facility: I would say … tied between the two in terms of Engineering programs. After all, TOSU had just completed a brand new $100 million Scott Laboratory a few years back, specifically for ME, and its EE facilities are top-notch. But, OSU has other new auxiliary facilities which will complement your overall learning experience, such as the Union, RPAC, Thompson Library and Dorms. </p></li>
<li><p>Placement: Purdue’s engineering program is highly regarded nationwide as I’ve alluded above. Nevertheless, Columbus is booming in all sectors and that nearby Honda plant is filled with tOSU grads. Furthermore, for Co-op / Intern opportunities, check out (ECIP) at Engineering Career Services:</p></li>
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<p><a href=“https://career.eng.ohio-state.edu/[/url]”>https://career.eng.ohio-state.edu/</a></p>
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<li><p>Honors Program: I would say it’s a tie at both schools. Although it is certainly more advantageous being in honors at Ohio State than Purdue as the school is way larger.</p></li>
<li><p>Value: In terms of overall academics, TOSU is higher ranked, and armed with abundant resources (state support, endowment, fundraising, alumni network, etc…) compared to Purdue. And from the investment stand point, TOSU is recognized as on the rise academically, as outlined in its Academic Plan, aspired to become one of the Top-10 Public institutions in America by decade end. Hence, I would certainly put my money on tOSU given the two choices. Hope this helps a bit! :)</p></li>
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<p>[Provost</a> Alutto’s Address to the University Senate 2012 - Office of Academic Affairs - The Ohio State University](<a href=“http://oaa.osu.edu/provost-address-to-senate-2012.html]Provost”>http://oaa.osu.edu/provost-address-to-senate-2012.html)</p>