This discussion was created from comments split from: Purdue vs Willamette fall2020.
How easy or difficult is it to change major at Purdue. My son is thinking of changing his major from Psych to Business. How is the Business prog at Purdue.
This will be his freshman year. Thank you.
We are OOS for Purdue so wondering if it is a good idea to spend $40K per year for Psych degree. Does Purdue have a very good Psych prog? Also would be helpful if someone can talk about the Business prog at Purdue. My other option is San Jose State, in state school. Money is a factor but we can do it for good academics/school.
Purdue is academically stronger and they have on campus housing (almost impossible to get at SJSU). That being said what’s the price differential?
We are in state for SJSU, but OOS for Purdue. Deciding between the two schools. Major consideration is good grad school and job prospects after undergrad degree.
Right now accepted for Psy major, but might change to Business.
Thanks.
No difference for Psych or Biz.
OTOH, SJSU housing is pricey; COA $31k instate. For $10k more, you’d get more of a away-college experience.
For SJSU we are in state so probably S can stay at home. But yes he will not get the away college experience.
Should we care about the big name school Purdue, or consider San Jose State if it does not make any difference to future job prospects and going to grad school?
Purdue is primarily known as a STEM powerhouse. I’m not sure for psych or business it’s worth the extra cost. I’d recommend looking at the career outcomes for both of your schools. First destination surveys should be available.
https://www.cco.purdue.edu/Alumni/AlumniStartingSalaries
https://www.sjsu.edu/careercenter/docs/campus-detail-reports/SJSU%2017-18%20Salary%20Survey%20Final%20Report_FINAL.pdf
For 2018 graduates, low / median / high post-graduation pay:
Purdue business: $35k / ~$55k / $85k
Purdue psychology: N/A
SJSU business: $20k / $46k / $166k
SJSU psychology: $24k / $38k / $71k
Note: switching into business at Purdue is described at https://krannert.purdue.edu/undergraduate/current-students/codo/ . Doing so at SJSU is described at https://www.sjsu.edu/lcobssc/Changing_Major/ .
I understand your dilemma and had a great “college experience” myself so I understand paying more for that experience. However, for what it’s worth, San Jose State has one of the most impressive college career fairs in the country based on company access in the Bay Area. I’ve had the unique opportunity of attending these fairs across many college campuses, and SJ State has one of the most impressive. Just wanted to throw that out there in case it’s a concern. I think either choice will end up feeling like the right one. Good luck!
Business is actually one of SJSU’s better majors after CS, engineering and nursing, so if you’re deciding between psych and business, stick with SJSU. Anything STEM related as momofsenior said would strongly favor Purdue.
Thanks for all the replies. I am just stressing out making this decision. We also have an option to go to University of SanFrancisco which looked good in the begining as it is a private school. But with the grants that we got it still comes down to $55K. We still have that option. Just to give a clear picture my S will also be going to grad school so we were thinking is it a good idea to go some of these schools like Purdue, or University of SanFrancisco or going to San Jose state will also open opportunities to go to good med school, or law or any other graduate school.
Thank you for taking time to read and repond.
USF isn’t worth it.
SJSU or Purdue sounds like the real dilemma here.
Switching into the Business school may be complicated at either university, so
1° check the exact process, and whether it’s selective or selective+ competitive (you need to meet certain criteria, usually a grade of x in specific subjects OR you need that grade and only a small % are admitted)
2° what the psychology degree entails, especially how many electives and how interesting the choices are
Law and medical school admission depend a lot on college GPA and the relevant test score (LSAT or MCAT). No specific undergraduate major is required, although medical school prerequisites may be hard to fit around high volume majors (which business can be). PhD programs depend on strong undergraduate preparation in the relevant subject, with undergraduate research experience and associated recommendations being highly desirable.
PhD programs worth attending should be funded, but law, medical, and other professional programs can be very expensive.
I’m pretty sure that for SJSU, even if you meet the gpa requirements, it may be tough to change to business, it all depends on the availability. Computer Science, e.g., would be close to impossible to switch in to, even if you have a 4.0. If Purdue is easier to switch into for business, I’d lean there.
Yes heard that it’s hard to get into Business program at SJSU. But my S got into honors Psych prog at SJSU so hopefully that would be interesting. Not sure how is it different from regular Psych prog.
Just wanted to know if we can transfer from San Jose state university to another UC or any other out of state university?
You can transfer to most other places, although if your target is a UC or CSU, they get most transfer students from community colleges.
Transfering to a UC from a CSU is difficult once they prioritize CC transfers.
However you can transfer to a private or OOS university. Depending on the university it can be harder than as a freshman.
Be aware that transfers get lousy aid and there’s virtually no merit aid for them at OOS. There’ll be normal state aid if you stay instate.
If we decide to transfer from SJSU, how early should we start looking into transfer to other universities. What should be the process? I understand every school will have different requirements but in general what should be our steps for both UC’s and other OOS or private universities.
Thanks for all the replies, it is very helpful.