Rutgers v UMD v Northeastern for engineering

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Ok so the prblem here is I don't know which college to choose. </p>

<ol>
<li><p>UMaryland- I got into the engineering which is ranked 17 in the country. I also got into their a special program However I am OOS and the cost is HUGE. After grants the school still costs about 31k.( not including loans, 24k including loans and work study)I have no idea how this can be paid because my EFC is EXTREMELY low. However, I like this school the most( near city, top ranked, diverse, nice campus)</p></li>
<li><p>rutgers-my state school I got a scholarship + aid so this school costs very little. Less than 4k a year. I really rather not go here as most of my school goes here, and I am just not impressed with the area either. ( want out of NJ!)The engineering is not ranked great( 50's).</p></li>
<li><p>Northeastern- I received a LOT of money from this school including a small scholarship and this makes this school VERY affordable. I don't think the engineering is ranked high, if at all. However, the co-op would give me experience despite less prestige. The money recieved from co op would assist with the costs too. My parents can afford this school pretty well, after aid it costs about 9k/year. I never really considered this schol much and just applied because. However, after getting accepted it seems more appealing. Its in the city which I also like. However, the trimester system doesn't sound like a good idea to me, and friends will constantly be leaving to co-op. also, this school is the least diverse( I am URM)</p></li>
</ol>

<p>rutgers and northeastern are about equal right now, rutgers possibly more.
so, can anyone provide me with insight?</p>

<p>Technically , I have 3 more schools to hear back from also, but I don't want to think about them unless I actually get accepted.</p>

2

<p>Maryland looks like an effective rejection due to the $24,000 per year that you “have no idea how this can be paid”. So your choice is between Rutgers and Northeastern (and possibly any of the three others that comes up with an acceptance with sufficient financial aid).</p>

3

<p>I’m a Northeastern Pharmacy student, went to a pre-engineering high school. Can definitely say that the Rutgers engineering program seems stronger, but like you, would agree that the environment in Boston is more lively. 2011 Rankings for Rutgers (45) to NEU (56). Closer than I thought.</p>

<p>Rutgers IS in the process of renovating and has superior freshman housing for the most part (after the first year, who cares though?). After visiting a friend on Busch, I would say that the facilities are actually flashier at Rutgers (of course, this is only for dining halls and the BEST/honors housing vs majority of housing options here). </p>

<p>Co-op is a great option in the current economy because the jobs you secure as an intern give you an extra edge on your resume and if you land a good co-op, there’s a chance you’ll be hired full time when you’ve graduated. The friends leaving for co-op thing doesn’t seem to be a big deal to me, but then, I’m PharmD, no free summers after the first year. So I guess it’s relative.</p>