Rice University dual degree or University of Rochester + Eastman dual degree [economics + piano performance]

College Search & Selection
1

Hi all, I got accepted to UR + Eastman Dual Degree and Rice University Dual Degree for economics and piano performance. I am debating on which one to choose.

UR + Eastman Pros:

Received a 40k Merit Scholarship (40k/year for 5 years)

Higher ranked in both music and economics programs

Closer to home

UR + Eastman Cons:

Weather (snows a lot)

Less well-known and not the “traditional” college experience

Rice Pros:

Higher ranked, and more well-known in general

Great weather and campus, student life, community

Rice Cons:

Received less scholarship (15k), will end up paying around 60k/year for 4 years

Farther away

Please let me know your thoughts. I am stuck between the two.

Sincerely, SD

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2

Congratulations, both are tippy top music schools and you can’t make a wrong choice :star_struck: Maybe financials will decide your choice for you? Otherwise, did you meet with your piano professors? Have you visited both schools?

3

I have met with both professors, and am leaning towards Eastman. I have more merit at Eastman, but I like the campus and community at Rice much better.

4

You might want to post this on the music major forum.

Eastman is extremely well-known, so not sure where you got the idea that it isn’t!

5

I’ve never heard of Rice admitting for a dual BM/BA. Is this new? I don’t see any information about this option on the website, and can’t fathom how it could be considered a 4 year program if it does exist…?

6

Double Major and Dual Degree | Office of Academic Advising | Rice University

BUT Bachelor of Music Degrees | The Shepherd School of Music (rice.edu)

No mention of dual degree on the Shepherd site.

7

Yes, that’s what I mean. To my knowledge, it’s not a thing for music majors. You can go in as a BM student, and subsequently downgrade to a BA in music and add a double major. But you can’t be admitted directly to the music BA, and I’ve never heard of a way to be admitted to a music double degree.

8

Just to be clear, I do not know anything about Rice and just posted what I found on their site. I did not come to any conclusion and the OP and others should rely on info from people who do know about Rice programs.

9

I’m the parent of a Rice grad - not in music, but my daughter was interested in non-major music offerings and I’ve kept an eye on how the ability to blend music with other academic interests compares with other schools, for years. This is the first time I’ve heard anyone say they were admitted for a dual major that includes music. I usually assert that Shepherd does not encourage double majors for BM students. If that has changed, I’d love to have more information about it.

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