Penn State 2+2 worth it?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Penn State
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<p>Is it worth it to go to Penn State if I didn't get into the Main Campus and I have to spend 2 years at Harrisburg? im pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and I know that University Park has one of the top engineering programs, but what disadvantage will I get in terms of degree and education by doing the 2+2? I know Harrisburg doesn't have nearly a good mechanical engineering program as in the main campus, but will it matter since I finish my degree at university park?</p>

<p>Will doing this put me at a disadvantage when im competing for jobs/grad school with students that completed all four years at university park?</p>

<p>Money isnt an issue, and Im also considering northeastern university. </p>

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<p>Well technically more than half of PSU -UP grads start off at a branch campus. So clearly its not that big of a deal. You’ll just take mostly gen eds and ETM courses at Harrisburg and most of your engineering courses at UP. The cool thing is Math 140/141 and chem 110 are said to be a lot easier at branch campuses than at UP. You’ll end up with the same degree. </p>

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<p>Yes its worth it. I did the same thing starting at Penn State Erie for Engineering. You wont get any disadvantages other than a different campus for the first two years. If you have any specific questions about it, ask me. </p>

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<p>In the College of Engineering a third of the students start at branch campuses.</p>

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<p>could i start a minor at a branch campus that doesnt offer it and finish it at UP? whats the deal with that?</p>

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<p>@eggschell you can’t apply to a minor until your 5th semester…so you’d already be a UP then. You can complete any part of the minor as part of your gen ed at the branch campus, but you can’t declare a minor until your 5th semester. </p>

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<p>On our tour we were told that 60% of the students start at branch campuses. It all works out in the end.</p>

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<p>If you are in-state, sure go for it. A majority of the students seem to start from branch campuses. </p>

<p>However, on the other hand, if you are out-of-state, don’t bother.</p>

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<p>thanks @jlhpsu‌ </p>

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@obwian22‌ My DD is also trying to decide where to go. She’s been accepted to the 2+2 engineering but one local state college (less tier) offers her 4 yr free tuition. My concern - How’s the student adjusted to the University Park academic standard after the first 2 yrs at local campus (I assume it’s less competitive.). Or should she study at a less known school, cost less and saved the money for graduate school? Will a degree from a lower tier school put her in disadvantage when applying to graduate school? thanks!

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@stako555 The majority of students who graduate from Penn State start at a branch campus. The branch campuses do a good job of preparing students to go to University Park, so I would not be concerned with that.

College costs are always a factor, but that’s probably a question only you can answer. Penn State is well known for engineering, and when students graduate, there is no mention of the branch campus they started at…all degrees are conferred from Penn State University. Penn State is #1 with recruiters, so my guess is, a degree from Penn State will get her further than a degree from a lesser tiered school. How much further and whether it is worth it to pay the costs at Penn State (especially if you are OOS) is a question you have to answer for yourselves as you alone know your financial situation. It is always great if you can graduate from college with no debt - so it may be a difficult decision for you.

Good luck!

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@jlhpsu‌ Thanks!