I need help choosing where to go to school. I pretty sure I want to major in public relations/communcation/advertising. I’be gotten in to a couple of schools I really like and right now I’m between:
Fordham University
Penn State (summer admit)
UMD
University of Delaware
I applied to all of these school undecided. I really love the big school atmosphere of Penn State and Maryland. Does anyone have any insight on what would be a good choice? Thank you so much!!!
What are the financial implications of your choice? How much does each of these schools cost and what can you afford without going into (much) debt?
I’m very fortunate to have my college all paid for so the finances are not too important. Penn State, U del, and UMD are all in the same price range and Fordham is about double.
With no cost restrictions I’d probably go with Penn State or UMD. Which is more in line with what you want for a college campus? For instance UMD is ~30 mins from DC while Penn State is pretty much out there in PA.
I’d pick the school that has the best advertising and communication programs and job placement. Fodham benefits from being in New York City. The communication department I think at the Lincoln Center campus making it easy to hold internships at top NY ad agencies even during the school year.
If you prefer the big school atmosphere of Penn State and UMD I’d go to one of those. It should be about finding the right fit. Perhaps go to accepted students day or re-visit your 2-3 top choices and then decide – when my S did that one school stood out and he was able to send in the deposit with no second thought.
I think Penn State’s Communications school is highly ranked but UMD’s location is hard to beat.
Wrt Fordham costing double : is the full cost covered (without loans)?
@scohen99 For what it’s worth, I hear great things about the new PSU communications grads from fellow PR agency owners. I’ve only had one work for me and she’s moved on to bigger, better job at bigger NYC agency.
Penn State’s Communication program is fantastic. Wins awards, etc. Lots of opportunities on campus. I’m assuming this is Main Campus you’re talking about, right? Fordham has proximity to NYC which can lead to internships, etc. Their Communications Program is very, very good. I would view these two as top two choices from the four. Is there possibility of getting some financial aid / grants from Fordham? If finances truly don’t matter, that’s a different story. Have you visited any of the schools? I’d try to see your top choices and meet with a professor or two while you’re there. Sit in on a class if you can. I don’t know much about Delaware of UMD -
Fordham is also a Jesuit school with a pretty good does of the liberal arts in the distribution requirements. All students do have to take a course in philosophy and theology, I believe. I’ve heard good things about the Penn State alumni network, especially for business.
PSU would be my first choice.