Hi Everyone,
I created this thread because I’m having a hard time picking a college to go to next year and I wanted to hear other people’s input. I narrowed my options down to four schools: Rutgers- New Brunswick, The College of New Jersey. Rutgers- Camden, and Rowan. I intend to possibly double major in computer science and math or physics, which is something I would not be able to do at Rowan due to the way its curriculum is set up, putting it at a lower spot on my list. It is important for me to go to a school with good student life and everything, but my main goal is to succeed in my career. Therefore, going to a good school and networking with my peers is really important for me. Cost is a bit of an issue, which is why I can’t decide if paying more for a better school is worth it or not. Going to Rutgers- New Brunswick or TCNJ would be triple the cost of attending Rutgers-Camden for me because I live in the SJ area. My parents are willing to help me if I attend RU-NB or TCNJ, but I’m not exactly sure with how much and I don’t want to be drowning in debt in my 20s (I plan to attend graduate school as well). I received no scholarship money from Rutgers- NB but I heard from somebody that big state schools like Rutgers often give out merit scholarships after your freshman year if you have a high GPA. Rutgers has been my top choice for a while but I’m not sure if I should take the risk. TCNJ offered me a little bit of money, but it would cost almost exactly the same as it would attending Rutgers. What do you guys think? Also, have any of you heard about Rutgers giving out merit scholarships after freshman year?
Anything at all would help. Thanks 
I have never heard of Rutgers giving scholarships after freshman year, but I don’t know many kids who go there. Everyone I know was given merit as an incoming freshman. It’s a big school; if they do I’m sure there’s tons of competition for that money.
I think it’s important for you to nail down exactly how much money is involved - that’s a big factor. Since you live in SJ, would you be commuting to Rowan and Camden? Did you get merit from Rowan? My son is a freshman there. His roommate (also from SJ) is a CS major and said it’s very challenging.
Have you visited all the campuses? Very different. I know a lot of kids are turned off by the busses at Rutgers. TCNJ and Rowan give much more of a campus feel. Not familiar with Camden.
My advice would be to sit down with your parents and figure out the money first. You can only take $5500 in loans yourself freshman year, so you need to have your parents on board with whatever you eventually decide. I wouldn’t get my heart set on anything until that’s done.
Good Luck!
Thank you! I have seen all of the campuses except Rutgers-Camden. I did receive a merit scholarship from Rowan. I live close enough to Rowan and Rutgers- Camden to be able commute. Do you know if Rowan offers a lot of internships in Philly?
Oops I meant to reply to send that as a reply to your message.
My son is only a freshman, and an education major, so internships haven’t really been a concern. I do see a lot of emails coming out about internship opportunities in the area, but we don’t pay a lot of attention since he doesn’t need one. I’m sure you could call Rowan directly and ask for more details.