<p>I've narrowed my choices down to these two outstanding institutions. I feel that Smeal has an excellent reputation, but Northeastern's Boston location may be a much more significant advantage. Also, the class size in Business Core at Penn State is 60, which is a tad too large for my liking. </p>
<p>Input on the Sapphire Program is also appreciated. </p>
<p>Both schools are ranked in the 30s, so the decision is especially difficult. Thanks in advance for any advice and information.</p>
<p>This is where I obtained my info: </p>
<p>The</a> Pennsylvania State University: Undergraduate Profile – BusinessWeek</p>
<p>Northeastern</a> University: Undergraduate Profile – BusinessWeek</p>
<p>I have a 2006 edition of the U.S. News America's Best Colleges and PSU is ranked tied for 18th in Business. It stayed the same in 2007. I am not sure of the 2008 ranking. Northeastern is not even listed in the top 46 schools on the list. PSU is also listed as having a top 5 program in Supply Chain. Smeal</a> Retains Top Ten Public Ranking In U.S. News — Penn State Smeal College of Business</p>
<p>Of course, reported rankings by different sources have to be taken with a 'grain of salt'.</p>
<p>karp - do not get too hung up on rankings. FInd the best school for you and use the rankings as a strong indicator of "best for you". There are many other crucial factors to consider.</p>
<p>hvccgolf, the importance of rankings are that they are a combination of many different factors. That's why they are so valuable. I think the only other thing would be the "feel" of the campus and that should be given only so much weight. You would be dumb to choose northeastern over Penn State. Penn State is a much better school.</p>
<p>hvccgolf-
My post above was just to note that rankings vary. The OP referred to rankings by Business Week. I referred to rankings of U.S. News to show a difference. Thus my comment, "Of course, reported rankings by different sources have to be taken with a 'grain of salt'."</p>
<p>btw...I am a parent of a PSU student and couldn't agree with you more about 'best for you.' S turned down several schools that most would consider 'higher ranked' and 'more prestigious' than PSU, but PSU did seem to 'fit' him best.</p>
<p>I looked through the grad info on both sites you linked us to.
Looks like PSU grads are having better success in landing jobs before they graduate. Average salary looks similar (48-50)
I know a NE grad (not business). She tells me that NE is very focused on occupations and internships. I would think this would help with finding jobs but the stats don't bear that out. In any case, from her perspective, the students there were almost TOO focused on jobs and careers. She says she would have appreciated more balance. Maybe some artsy kids hanging around (you will mix with many different types of students at PSU - golf majors, agriculture, music/fine arts, pre-meds). And there are lots of majors to choose from if you change your mind.<br>
Overall, PSU seems to have a better reputation although NE is improving. Some still think of NE as a second tier school...possibly because of the ranking by US News.
For business, the alumni base at PSU REALLY helps if you're staying in PA/NJ/NY.
Not sure about NE facilities. PSU has a great new business building.
Call the school about Sapphire to get more info. I know it is an accelerated program and I believe it gives you the opportunity to take smaller "cohort" classes with your Sapphire peers.<br>
Good luck to you. Both fine choices.</p>
<p>Sorry, I've been away for awhile. Prospective students, as for the rankings, I know this it is easy to focus on that issue. But as a 50 yearold with my oldest at PSU, the factors that will make you successful, or less so, lie much more within yourself than in the ranking of the school you attend. ANd you will perform well and really enjoy your college career if you find the right fit. </p>
<p>Of course, I would not recommend attending a school that is substantially below your academic potential, but "feel" is an important issue when you are visiting these schools. </p>
<p>In my years in business I have met deci-millionaires with high school diplomas and total losers with Harvard credentials. Trust me, the key lies within you, not the school.</p>