I have narrowed down my college choice to either Purdue or Rose Hulman. Rose Hulman is a bit more expensive at this point but I am waiting for a decision on my appeal at Rose Hulman which should come in the next 2 weeks. I have visited both colleges and I know that they are completely different in terms of size but I like both. One of the benefits of Rose Hulman is that I would be able to play my sport which I wouldn’t be able to do at Purdue.
Does anyone have any insight into these schools that would help me make a decision?
You really couldn’t have two more different options!
I’m a Purdue mom of a second year engineer. If you have any specific questions I’d be happy to answer what I can. My D is having an amazing experience at Purdue.
They’re both fantastic options. Can you tour them again, though? Eat in the cafeteria, talk to some professors, maybe spend a night? They’re opposites in so many ways and it is a very personal decision. I have a very high opinion of both schools, and the kids I know of who attend (or did attend) those colleges were all very happy with their choice.
While a prospective student can find quite a few schools on Purdue’s level — UIUC, U Michigan, UT–Austin — it would be difficult to match Rose–Hulman’s environment at another school. Since you have the option of pursuing this rare opportunity, I think RHIT deserves a very close look.
What sport? Football? Think RH actually had a really good team the last few years.
When my son toured this was a consideration. But compared to a big ten school these are both 180 degrees from each other’s. People I know that go /went there really like the school.
Each campus is so different. I would go with the feel, fit situation. Negative with RH is that if engineering doesn’t work out there’s not much of an option after that.
At Purdue they do have intermural teams. My sons at Michigan but plays intermural flag football and softball. Many other teams you can join.
Also the 80/20 male /female ratio to me was a lot. But my patients that are female that go there really like the school.
Look at your major of choice. Look closely at the program’s and how they are offered. Are there opportunities at one that interest you that the other doesn’t offer? Are there clubs /activities /opportunities that one is more attractive then the other one?
Make sure at RH that the aid is for all 4 years and what the GPA limits are.
Small engineering-focused colleges are not that rare, although they may not be as well known as state flagships.
Regarding Purdue, you may want to check with the department of your desired major to find out how competitive the transition-to-major process is for that major.
The range of RHIT’s engineering programs is notably broad, with 10 engineering / engineering related majors, including at least one that would be rare to see at other similarly-sized schools, optical engineering.