so if I get a national merit scholarship to Fordham Universty, I’m probably only going there to do the 3-2 engineering program. However, to stay in the program I need to maintain a 3.0 GPA as well as have above a B in every pre-engineering course.
I like Fordham, but I’m nervous I won’t be able to maintain this grade, and I’ll have to graduate from there without a degree in engineering, which I want to major in. Is it worth it to go there and risk not going to Columbia?
no (10 char)
Most people who start in the 3-2 programs never complete their engineering degree. You are much better off starting in engineering if you want to be an engineer and finishing in 4 years. Many engineering schools have 5 year BSE/MSE programs, which has a much higher return when you graduate. For instance, a masters degree in ChemE is worth about $30K more every year - that’s $1.2 million over your working life for the same length of college.
There are many NMF engineering programs that are (mostly) tuition free, a favorite on CC is U Alabama which is 5 years of free tuition. Others include Nebraska, Kentucky, etc… do a little research and see.
http://nmfscholarships.yolasite.com/ may help you find National Merit based scholarships. Verify scholarships on college web sites and check for your desired engineering major.
Ask Fordham how many people successfully complete the 3-2 program in any given year. Yes, it can be done, but at most schools the actual numbers are strikingly low.
I am a big fan of Fordham (my S is an alum) but I am not a fan of 3-2 programs.
The other issue is that the “2” school may not offer good enough financial aid. Note that Columbia does not promise as good financial aid for 3+2 transfers as it does for frosh and regular transfers.
https://undergrad.admissions.columbia.edu/apply/combined-plan says for the 3+2 program: