I LOVE Penn State! The campus was so much nicer and I love the spirit there. I would love to go there but academically is it better than Maryland or worse? I want to do Criminology and Psychology,and I know Maryland has one of the top Criminology programs, but College Park isn’t the nicest place, and Maryland lacks spirit, BUT, Maryland is near DC which might be good for scholarships… not sure what to do! I want to do Forensic Psychology and Penn State has a awesome Forensics program. Help!
I think you know this answer already. One school has a nice campus, the other has the top crimonology program. You are not paying thousands of dollars for “spirit” or a nice view.
Besides, Maryland actually has great “spirit”…you must not have been there before
Disagree. As an undergrad, you are not selecting a “program,” you are selecting an undergraduate college. Part of that is absolutely the experience. The truth is that most top colleges have good programs in most fields…and that undergraduates change their minds so much about what they want to do that selecting based on major is risky business. Not to mention that actually most of your classes won’t be in your department: they’ll be spent on general education and divisional requirements.
Even with that said, Penn State has an excellent psychology department. As you’ve noted, they also have forensic science. AND Penn State ALSO has an excellent criminology department - their graduate program is in the top 5, along with Maryland’s. While that’s not a perfect proxy for undergrad departments, I’m telling you about it because you already seem to be concerned.
It sounds like Penn State is an excellent all-around fit for you, as long as you can afford it.
Are you in-state for either school?
happy1 has asked a critical question. You need to determine whether or not you can afford each of these places.
I am not in state for either school and haven’t received scholarship from either.
If both are affordable, then there is nothing particularly wrong with choosing PSU if you like the environment and campus better.
If PSU or UM-CP will require you and your family to take on more debt than the standard federal student loans, then neither is a good option, and you need to track down something less expensive.
@brynn336 - you don’t have IS options?
I have gotten into Binghamton
From what I’ve heard psychology and criminology/forensic science require a graduate degree.
So paying $160,000 for a 4 yr degree does not seem worth it if the same degree can be achieved instate for half that cost.
What can your family comfortably afford (leaving $ for grad school if you want to go that route)? that should be a part of your decision.
Have you heard of John Jay College of Criminal Justice in NYC. They have a forensic psych degree, they’re cheap, and they have dorms. You won’t get the traditional college experience though.
Penn state has a HUGE alumni network which will be very helpful in getting jobs and internships. I’m from MD and I, myself, don’t care much for Maryland’s campus and the area around it, but thats just me. I think the major factor in making this decision is what college did you feel most comfortable at when you visited
What’s your parents budget out of pocket (from savings and income, NOT loans)?
How much does each of those cost?
Wow what don’t you like about the Maryland campus? I think it is beautiful.
My son was also accepted into Penn State UP and UMD, for engineering. We visited both colleges and academically both schools seemed top notch. Our deciding factor was the location and how much he loved the Penn State atmosphere and campus. I guess it all depends on the person. Both are out of state for us, also. In state, he was accepted to both RIT and Clarkson, but ultimately, Penn State has always been his #1 choice. He could be 45 minutes from home at RIT and get a great engineering degree for a little cheaper but we want him to go where he will also be the happiest and where he feels is the best fit for him. Go with what you feel is best for you.