<p>I posted this over in the college forum, too, but that doesn't seem to be a terribly fast-paced forum. I am new on CC, so let me know if I am not allowed to do this. Thanks!</p>
<p>I am interested in engineering and, secondarily, agriculture/animal science. Between OSU and OU, which would be the better school for these programs? Does OSU have an honors program like OU's? Also, how do non-tuition costs and fees compare? Economically, which has the better program for NMF scholars? Thanks!</p>
<p>All of these questions can be answered by looking around the two school’s web sites.</p>
<p>Oklahoma state is an engineering and agriculture school. Yes, OSU has an honors program.</p>
<p>Hi, Erin’s Dad!</p>
<p>I have spent a lot of time on both of these schools’ websites and read a lot about them. I am looking for some personal experience on how individuals feel the programs compare, how easily additional scholarships are obtained, which has the better honors college, etc. For example, on their websites, OSU appears to be the better NMF option, but OU seems like it might offer additional scholarships for NMFs other than just the “NMF scholarships.” Or, on another thread, someone mentioned that OU was academically just not what they had expected prior to attending there. Someone else mentioned that OSU tends to get the students who aren’t accepted at OU. I want to know if these have been other students’ experiences as well. I live 1,500 miles away from these schools and need to get a “feel” for the schools. I was hoping that someone who lived nearby or attended could share their experiences and impressions of OSU and OU.</p>
<p>Thanks for the reply! :)</p>
<p>I’m a student at Oklahoma State, if you need anymore information. I toured OU, but that’s it so I don’t know much about OU.</p>
<p>Thank you!! I was kind of thinking that was the case, but it is really hard to understand a school’s strengths and weaknesses from a website. I really wish I could visit, but, unfortunately, that isn’t going to happen. </p>
<p>In general, does OU have a better “name” than OSU? Does which school you choose really depend on your course of study? An example from my home state would be UPenn and Penn State. If you were an English major, no way would you want to go to Penn State over UPenn, but as an ag major, Penn State would be the hands-down choice.</p>
<p>OU and OSU are extremely different. You really need to tour if possible. I originally planned on going to OU, but after touring I absolutely hated it. I fell in love with OSU’s campus and the people here. I chose the school before I chose my major…and I changed my major during my second semester. No, OU doesn’t have a better name than Oklahoma State. I’ve never heard anyone say that.</p>
<p>Awesome! What are you studying now? Did you get scholarships to OSU? What is the environment like there? A lot of partying or very academically focused? I’m also really confused because most of the reviews I read (and your post) say that it is an ag and engineering school, but this link ([Oklahoma</a> State University | Best College | US News](<a href=“http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/oklahoma-state-university-3170]Oklahoma”>http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/oklahoma-state-university-3170)) says those two majors only make up a total of 17% of the school?? Am I misinterpreting these statistics? </p>
<p>Thanks so much – you are really helpful. I might be able to get out there in the early spring sometime, but it is a looooong way to travel, so that makes it tough.</p>
<p>You do realize that OU doesn’t have an agriculture program right? </p>
<p>Also there are certain fields where one school has a much better name than the other. Want to do petroleum geology? OU is the clear winner. Soil science? OSU will get you farther and provide better opportunities. </p>
<p>I agree with OKStateGirl. The two schools are very different. I’ve been to OSU once. Hated the school and Stillwater. On the other hand I love Norman and OU. </p>
<p>I’ll post more when I have the time.</p>
<p>Through financial aid and scholarships, all of my expenses are covered. I don’t have any student loans, but I’m also an in-state student. It’s college, so there’s partying but nearly everyone I’ve met is academically focused. Most people balance their social life and schoolwork very well. I don’t know anything about that report and didn’t read it, but ask any student here and they will tell you OSU is an engineering and agriculture school. I’m in the college of human sciences.</p>
<p>Whenhen is correct. If you want to study meteorology, go to OU. If you want engineering or ag, OSU is for you. From people I have talked to (and I know many people at OU), you will fall in love with one and hate the other. They are completely different.</p>
<p>The engineering programs at both schools are pretty much equal. Agriculture is obviously superior at OSU.</p>
<p>So far, it sounds like I would be better suited to OSU. However, engineering will be my focus and an agriculture program is a bonus. Whenhen, I would still like to hear more about OU when you have the chance since it has a good engineering program, too. What did you hate about OSU? How is OU as far as scholarship opportunities and also the environment? What are you studying? How significant is engineering at OU?</p>
<p>Thank you both, okstategirl and whenhen!</p>
<p>Why are you interested in coming to Oklahoma? It sounds like you are NMF, and have lots of options available. Both schools are great, but I’m just wondering why you are focused on these two schools.</p>
<p>I toured both schools with my daughter during spring break in 2012. We saw a few of the same kids touring the schools a day apart! My daughter nearly attended OU. I researched both heavily due to their NMF awards, and the fact that they are not too far from home. Here’s what I know:</p>
<p>Best NMF money: OSU. Make sure you understand OU’s offer, because they don’t explain it very well in print. They waive the out-of-state portion of tuition, NOT all tuition. So you are still paying in-state tuition at OU, but some of that will be offset by the additional cash that they offer. </p>
<p>Most NMF’s: OU. They make a big deal of this point, and rightfully so.</p>
<p>Honors college: we visited both. OU left a better impression, but the schools have similar programs.</p>
<p>Transportation: easier at OU since you would be flying in from Pennsylvania.</p>
<p>Overall, OSU had a much more agricultural feel to it. I really liked both schools, and would have been happy if my daughter attended either one.</p>
<p>If you are NMF, you should consider posting any additional questions in the NMF forum.</p>
<p>[National</a> Merit Scholarships - College Confidential](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/national-merit-scholarships/]National”>National Merit Scholarships - College Confidential Forums)</p>
<p>Come visit Oklahoma if you can!</p>
<p>ScienceGirlMom, your first sentence is exactly what I was going to say. OP, why are you looking at two schools in Oklahoma when you say you are so far away that you can’t even visit?? For that matter, Texas Tech isn’t much farther than Oklahoma (if you are from Penn.) and it has both engineering and ag. I think picking a school sight unseen is a big mistake.</p>
<p>Regarding NMFs. Do not choose your school based on trying to game the system to get scholarship money. Do not take the number of NMS (ie scholars versus finalists) as the measure of which school is better. Many NMFs do not get the money and can be just as capable as those who do. Definitely look at the other academic and other factors to see which most fit you. A visit is important as well. You can always apply to both and see whether you want either one next spring. </p>
<p>You mention comparing UPenn to Penn State- one of those is private, the other public so not the same as comparing two public U’s in a state. The big question is why the state of Oklahoma? What do you expect to get out of going to school there? Do not be concerned with the prestige factor- be concerned about meeting your academic goals.</p>