<p>So far I've got into both and I really can't decide. I got into main campus for PSU, and I might apply for the Honors College. I also applied for the honors college for Drexel. I'm going to major in civil and environmental engineering (I'm very sure of this). At Penn State the programs built together, but at Drexel I would have to double major (but most of the required classes are the same anyway).
One of the big things that drew me to Drexel was the co-op, which I would be doing for five years and the fact that its in Philly. Because I definitely feel like it'll have enough culture and things to do. I'm kind of worried that PSU is just its own little town and that it's all just college students.
I know a lot of people know the PSU name, but I'm not sure how renowned Drexel is outside of Philly or PA. I don't really care where I get a job after graduation, but I just want to make sure that I get one. I also have a pretty decent financial aid package from both, so cost would be about the same.
I think most of it comes down to whose more renowned for a great Civil and Environmental Engineering program?</p>
<p>I think your decision to come down to 2 things --</p>
<ol>
<li><p>You are correct that PSU has a strong national rep, but Drexel’s rep is more regionally focused. But both are very strong in engineering.</p></li>
<li><p>The living environment is very different. Have you considered the environment you want to live in throughout college?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>You are fortunate to have two good affordable choices. Spend some time at both to see where you feel more comfortable. If you want to work after college in the Phil. area, Drexel would probably be a little better, particularly because the coop job would hopefully lead to a full time job.</p>
<p>The environment for Drexel probably beats PSU for me. Just because its in a city and theres a lot to do - museums, music scene, different companies and just a whole lot of places to explore. PSU had a nice campus, but its just a university campus.</p>
<p>I don’t know if I’d like to work in Philly for too long, and I know Drexel has co-ops outside of the city, but I’m not sure how common it is to get one. I really wouldn’t mind where I went, but I do want to see different places.</p>