We are 2 days from decision day, and I cannot still decide which school to go to. My major is Information Systems, and I’ve been accepted to transfer to Rutgers University-Newark and to Drexel University. With all the scholarships I will get I will end up paying nothing at Rutgers because I’m a NJ resident, but I will end up paying $8,000 a year at Drexel (I had a $46,000 scholarship). Since I live in Maple Shade, NJ, and that I will have to commute due to family issues, I’m very undecided where to go. Drexel is closer to me, but is it worth it to decline Rutgers offer?
@Jersey2205 Will the money that you will be earning in co-ops offset the extra cost at Drexel?
Also, a half-hour commute to Drexel vs. nearly 1.5 hours to Newark - think about the extra costs in gas and car maintenance not to mention the tax on your time. That’s two hours per day extra in the car every day you have classes. Those two hours could be spent working to offset tuition or studying. Don’t know about the traffic into Philly, but the traffic up to Newark can be brutal. Throw rush hour or an accident into the works and that 1.5 hours could get a lot worse.
Put all of this on a spreadsheet, and the cost gap is likely to diminish considerably.
With less time commuting, your social life at Drexel is likely to be better too. You might be able to stay later to study or hang out with friends as opposed to getting in the car for the long ride home.
Does Drexel give you anything extra? Otherwise, hands down, Rutgers. It’s a great school and the debt simply isn’t worth Only if Drexel gives you some amazing program that you absolutely would be silly to do without. Otherwise. all things being equal, the lower cost excellent school is best.
@mamadefamilia Thank you so much for your precious advices @Erin’s Dad Yes, it’s a loan that I can have, thanks @Dustyfeathers What is an example of something extra? Like a CO-OP?
@Dustyfeathers remember that OP didn’t mention New Brunswick, but Newark. Rutgers Newark isn’t close to Drexel.
OP, Drexel is by far the better choice for all involved. You’ll be surrounded by smarter students and you’ll have a better social life as well. It’s a no-brainer.
Thank you guys! I wouldn’t even think about going to Drexel if it wasn’t a matter of distance. I don’t know if I’m ready to get in loan debts. Still cannot decide where to go.
Rutgers Newark is a 3-hour round-trip commute. that’s brutal. that can inhibit your ability to study and succeed academically. and the costs will really add up. you cannot really say RU-Newark will cost you nothing without factoring in the time and $$$ cost of commuting.
Drexel is much closer. maybe with the time you save, you can get a job on or near campus or at home to close the cost gap. if you have class every day, that is an extra 10 hours you can work instead of sitting in a car. that money will add up and close the cost difference even further.
Drexel is a better school and since it’s closer, you can use the time you save to your advantage, either for studying or working a job to make Drexel a more affordable option. i think @mamaedefamilia is right about the cost difference shrinking considerably when you factor in the hidden costs of commuting. plus, Philly > Newark, no question.
no one wants to take loans but if the alternative is 4 years of endless hours in NJ traffic, i would not want that.
usually I am on the “take the affordable option” side but in this case, when you take into consideration all the other factors, i would agree with mama and @LBad96 and go for Drexel. i think it will make a better college experience.
Estimate 5 gallons of gas round trip plus tolls - $20 x 4 = $80 per week as opposed to $25 per week to Drexel. Let’s say 34 weeks of school per year = $1870 in costs.
Eight extra hours per week spent working instead of sitting in a car. Let’s assume $9 per hour = earnings of about $2450. You’re already at $4300 of your $8000 difference. If you commute 5 days a week, adjust those numbers accordingly. Also, your co-op earnings are likely to be considerable if you attend Drexel. Especially if you factor in a summer job, Drexel seems like an affordable option for you.
