Rowan vs TCNJ

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Ok, so I compiled a small list of colleges I've been considering, and currently Rowan and TCNJ are the top 2 on the list. I like the small and intimate settings of both colleges, plus as a NJ resident, the In-State costs are extremely appealing. I have visited both colleges. I visited Rowan's Engineering Open House, and toured the engineering facilities and the campus. I was unable to get an official tour of TCNJ as of yet, I only walked around campus on my own, but plan to go back and get a tour of the college. Visually I like TCNJ, it is much prettier than Rowan.</p>

<p>I plan to major in Computer Engineering. I've heard a lot of great things about Rowan's engineering program. Having been to Rowan's Engineering Open House, I am quite impressed with their program. Their engineering facilities (Rowan Hall and the South Jersey Technology Park) are incredible, and the professors and overall program seem top-notch.</p>

<p>TCNJ, on the other hand, I am not as familiar with. From what I've heard TCNJ is a pretty selective and competitive school. When I met with the coaches and staff of the Ice Hockey team I was told that TCNJ is the 2nd hardest school in NJ to get into next to Princeton. TCNJ is also ranked quite high on cost versus value, and is known locally as a competitive school. I am not as familiar with TCNJ's engineering program as I am with Rowan's, however.</p>

<p>I just would like some input on the Engineering programs of each of these schools, and Computer Engineering specifically, if possible. Of course my decision ultimately may determine on whether I am accepted (I do plan to apply to both). My scores are above average for Rowan, and just about average for TCNJ (1290 SAT for math and verbal, plus a good amount of extracurriculars, full honors/AP curriculum since freshman year, and ranked in the top 10 of my class), so I believe my chances of getting into both are pretty decent. I want to know how the programs compare, how the colleges in general compare, job prospects after graduation, etc. I'd appreciate as much info as you can give me. Thanks in advance for your replies.</p>

2

<p>I’m sure Rowan is a good school, too, but I know TCNJ best. </p>

<p>I’m the Dean of humanities and social sciences at TCNJ, not the Dean of Engineering, but I hear very good things about Engineering at TCNJ. Here are some data that prospective students of Engineering might find interesting about engineering at TCNJ:</p>

<p>81% of TCNJ engineering students passed the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam this year (83% last year) which is the the highest in the state and well above the national rate (approximately 70%). This shows that TCNJ students therefore have a mastery of the engineering fundamentals when they complete a degree here. TCNJ has a very high alumni satisfaction rate and, perhaps most importantly, they are employed after graduation. TCNJ has nearly 100% placement in 6 months, even in this tough economy. Just over 30% of the TCNJ Engineering grads go onto graduate schools - some very prestigious - including Princeton, UPenn, Hopkins.</p>

<p>Our beautiful campus, small classes, bright students, and faculty who love to teach, together with the data on our learning outcomes make for a powerful combination.</p>

<p>I urge all those considering engineering and looking for a small school in the northeast to give TCNJ engineering a close look: [School</a> of Engineering :: The College of New Jersey](<a href=“http://www.tcnj.edu/~engsci/]School”>The College of New Jersey | School of Engineering)</p>