<p>Daughter likes linguistics, Chem and Spanish (Am Sign Language also).
U Rochester' merit/aid package is far too low for us (being appealed, and although the FA dept seems very approachable and nice, I am not optimistic).</p>
<p>Syracuse offered $15,000, and small loan; and U Maryland Coll Park Honors program offer results in somewhat lower tuition & costs than Syracuse.</p>
<p>Result is either school is more than $10,000 less per year than Rochester.</p>
<p>Hey there! I'm choosing between the Newhouse School of Communications at Syracuse (with 12K in merit and an offer to participate in the honors program) and Maryland's journalism program (with 5K in merit and an offer to participate in the honors program, as well). I have chosen to attend UMD - this came down mostly to cost, as the Syracuse bill ended up being double what I'd foot for UMD (120K vs. 60K). I do not believe a URochester education is worth 40K more than Syracuse or UMD, so that's out.</p>
<p>Things to consider:</p>
<ul>
<li>Size (Syracuse would feel smaller and less overwhelming)</li>
<li>Strength of chem and linguistics program (chem would be stronger at UMD; I don't know anything about linguistics, except that UMD has a beautiful language house with a Spanish floor)</li>
<li>Weather and location (cold vs. mild; Syracuse vs. DC - personally, I prefer the weather and activities in the DC-area, although I have a friend that prefers skiing to concerts)</li>
<li>Where your daughter wants to work and live post graduation - NY or MD? Both probably have great connections on the East coast, though</li>
</ul>
<p>And both have great basketball ;).</p>
<p>I'd choose UMD, but if the costs are similar and the language program strong at both schools/stronger at Syracuse, then it comes more down to what environment you prefer.</p>