RPI vs GWU

Colleges and Universities A-Z Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
1

Both RPI and GWU gave me scholarships but this makes my decision so much harder. I am a very city-life type of person who needs to go out and do things, and I just enjoy the business that comes with the city life, which George Washington University gives. But from what I’ve read, GW’s engineering program is sub-par at best, which worries me because I do want to feel like my money is being put to good use. And from what I’ve seen/heard, RPI has a much better and more notable engineering program than GW. I’m stressing over which college I’m going to pick because there are so many different opinions on both colleges and both programs.

And I understand that all it really takes is effort to find things to do on both campuses, but from reviews it seems like many current RPI students and alumni don’t enjoy their experience, but then once they look back they don’t regret it? I’m not sure if I really want to do this. Please help, I know my mom is leaning towards RPI because they are more highly regarded than GW, but I don’t know which one I like more.

2

I think for engineering, RPI is hands down better than GW. But Troy/Albany is certainly not DC. So you need to decide what’s more important, the education or the environment.
Look at what types of jobs people get after attending each. Also, are you SURE you will stay with engineering? With my son at RPI, we were pretty sure he wouldn’t major in anything “non-technical,” so RPI was a great place for him.
My other son was less of a sure thing in that regard, so a bigger school with more options was better for him.
Good luck, and let us know what you decide.

3

I agree with the above but would add that college is only 4 or 5 years and you will likely have the opportunity to intern or coop in a city. Also, Boston and New York are not that far away. And keep in mind that engineering is not going to leave you with a lot of time to party.