Rowan vs Rutgers NB (engineering)

I’ve been accepted to both and they cost relatively the same for me. I’d be paying around 17k every year for Rutgers, or 16k for Rowan, so the price won’t be too much of an issue. At Rutgers, I’d be doing Aerospace Engineering, and at Rowan I’d be doing Electrical And Computer Engineering (I’d get 2 degrees since it’s a combined program which sounds really nice), I might minor in aerospace engineering at Rowan if I attend there. I really like Rowan’s new buildings, quality of life there seems to be better overall. At Rutgers, the only thing there for me is the prestige and that it’s well known, and it’s closer to my home. My parents think the job outlook is better through Rutgers considering its so well known, especially if I want to work outside of NY NJ area since Rowan is not well known outside of this area. I hate that the classes and lecture hall sizes are so big and I feel that I’d struggle with that. I’m leaning more towards Rowan but my family wants me to go to Rutgers because of how well known it is, they think I’ll be more successful in life if I go to Rutgers. I want a second opinion on this.

I think that your concern about class size is valid and something that you should seriously consider. If you truly believe that large class size might cause you to struggle then you will likely find more success at Rowan. Many kids struggle with the large classes at Rutgers but plenty are fine. Every student is different and you need to know yourself.

I do not personally know about recruiting at the two schools but ultimately you need to be successful in a program in order to get a job. Rowan is becoming more and more respected so I would not be terribly concerned about your ability to get a job especially if you are able to perform near the top of your class.

LOok at the engineering stats posted on the Rowan engineering page. Rutgers definitely has more name recognition in the general public, but Rowan is definitely making noise. Their programs are accredited and they have great opportunities.

Agree with Momof3kidz, Rowan is becoming much more well known and respected. We were very impressed with their engineering program when we toured. Students seemed enthusiastic and friendly, as did the professors. Nice campus and nice downtown area. I am a big believer in smaller class sizes and more individualized attention (though Rowan is not a small school). The dual degree seems like a cool benefit. Have you looked at outcomes as far as where grads are working, what percentage get jobs/go to grad school, percentage that graduate in four years, etc.? Where do you feel you’d fit in better?

Well I visited Rutgers open house and it just feels so depressing there, I don’t feel like I fit there at all. Campus life isn’t all that exciting, dorms are okay but not in any way on par with Holly point residence halls at Rowan. I don’t know anyone going to Rutgers whereas I have a few friends attending Rowan doing the same exact major. Rutgers engineering education seems very impressive and the education value seems promising. Unfortunately in my Rowan visits I wasn’t able to see much of the ECE program, all I saw was a brand new engineering building. However both schools have very nice job outlooks, it looks like the starting salary for ECE from Rowan is about $70k, whereas engineering at Rutgers offers a starting salary of $65k, couldn’t find out any specifics for aerospace engineers. As for grad school, I like that Rowan offers an opportunity for a master’s degree without trying to do a thesis - I am not interested in doing a thesis but I am looking to further my education, this could help. I don’t know if Rutgers offers this type of opportunity, if so I would consider doing grad school at Rutgers. Rowan unfortunately has a lower graduation rate that Rutgers but I couldn’t find specifics on the engineering program, because I was told that was higher.

I’m leaning more towards Rowan because I feel like I’d be more comfortable there. There’s this gut feeling, Rutgers just doesn’t feel right to me.

Don’t ignore your gut feeling in the decision process. From your posts it sounds like Rowan is the better fit for you

What did you pick?

@KrutikShah Engineering is a tough course of study and many students get weeded out in the first couple of years. Happy students tend to do better at their studies. So if you really feel like Rowan is a better fit, you may do better there. Bigger fish in a smaller pond might be the better environment for you. It is also very possible to make Rutgers work, but it’s likely that you’d have to advocate for yourself a bit more. There is also plenty to do in NB and Manhattan and Philadelphia are relatively easy to access.

I hope you are at peace with your decision, whatever it is.

I ended up choosing Rowan. I feel confident about this decision, thank you everyone for helping me make this easier

@KrutikShah congrats! My son is finishing up sophomre year there (and I’m an alumni). He’s very happy! You’ll do great!

@KrutikShah Hope to see u in ECE next year :D, I had the same dillema and took Rowan over Rutgers as well