<p>My son has been offered full tuition scholarships to both Pitt and Northeastern. He is interested in pursuing a Math/Chemistry double major. He really likes both schools. I would welcome any thoughts/observations/perspectives regarding the two schools. Thanks</p>
<p>@midwestblues-- first off congratulations! There have been several discussions of Pitt vs Northeastern the last few years and it was my son’s decision to make in 2011. For him it was Full tuition at Pitt for a higher ranked program (Pharmacy) vs Northeastern with 10K per year and a lower ranked program. Pitt won that battle hands down and he and we have never regretted that decision.
I have no idea which school is better for Math and Chemistry. I’m guessing they would be equivalent. If they are, then cost at Northeastern will be more, because their room and board are higher, and Boston is a more expensive city for living off campus. Transportation–depends on where you live. ( Pitt has buses for students depending on where you live.) Both are in great cities. Pitt wins for sports-- D1 Football and D1 Basketball is great if your son is into sports. NEU wins for D1 Hockey! Either city has a ton of things to do culturally and has other universities.
We have friend’s kids at NEU and they love it. Either school is great! Best of luck to your son. </p>
<p>Pitt’s Department of Chemistry is ranked higher in US News than Northeastern (38th vs 90th) and their Math departments are ranked the same (tied at #59). The Academic Ranking of World Universities out of Shanghai has Pitt ranked between 51st to 75th in the world in Chemistry while Northeastern isn’t ranked. In ARWU Pitt Mathematics is ranked 76-100th in the world, whereas again, Northeastern isn’t ranked.</p>
<p>While these are graduate level rankings, they are essentially rating the faculty reputation in those departments and research being produced there. This is the faculty that is going to be teaching undergrad classes and providing opportunities to engage in undergrad research with them. Pitt’s chemistry department is much better known, research wise, and Pitt is a more recognized as a major research university which would provide greater undergrad research opportunities…and those opportunities are invaluable these days for anyone majoring in the sciences.</p>