I’ve been accepted to both, merit to Loyola, nothing from Cuse. I plan to major in communications disorders (Cuse) or speech/language (Loyola). I want school spirit and I’m not sure about Greek life. I don’t want a cliquey school. I’m so conflicted. Syracuse has the better “name” but does that matter? Thank you!
Based on the description of what you want, cuse would be the better option. They have greek life but I know a boy an girl who go there not involved in greek life but have tons of fun regardless. Would cuse require you going into debt? I know loyolas max scholarship isn’t even half the COA. Did cuse give you any need based aid? Have you considered writing a letter requesting more money (if they gave you any)?
@a20171 thank you for your reply. With the merit money I received from Loyola it would come in roughly $17k cheaper per year. Syracuse gave me no merit or need based aid. I’ve written letters, emails and even called to no avail. I am headed up to the accepted students day next week so hoping that will help.
@msk7777 I answered this in more detail on the Loyola thread. I have a student at each of these schools. Both received merit aid, but personally I feel that Cuse has been the better experience. Although the small class sizes and very supportive faculty are attractive at Loyola, the social culture is very cliquey and limited. There is so much more to do outside of class at Syracuse, and feels very personalized despite the larger size.
@crazymamaB Thank you!!! She is so confused and the schools are polar opposites. She was afraid of the cliques at Loyola but the “party school” rep and the weather are scaring her at Syracuse. She now wishes she had a school in the middle to chose from. She was accepted at Elon, UDel and Marist as well.
@msk7777 UDel was the other school my S was considering also. He was really torn but Syracuse just felt right. He is an engineer and the engineering learning community at Syracuse was very attractive. It turned out to be an invaluable experience. My D wants to go to veterinary school which was a big reason why she chose Loyola; the generous merit scholarship has left her with no student debt. The social thing has been a real struggle though.
Seems to me that UDel might be a good middle ground.
$17K per year difference is a lot to overcome especially if you don’t have the money and will need loans. If Delaware is affordable it’s in a safer city than Baltimore and is just as good as the two schools you are considering.
Syracuse and Loyola are two very different schools that can provide a very different educational experience. My S graduated from Loyola Maryland and my daughter is graduating from Syracuse in a few weeks. Both have excelled and received terrific but very different educations. Both picked the right school and I believe would not have fared as well at the other school.
S is quiet and more laid back. He is naturally very bright and went through the Honors Program at Loyola. We spent a lot more on books per semester for my S than my D. I attended a Jesuit H.S.and Ivy college. I love and am partial to the Jesuits and their teaching style.The core education my S received was terrific. He loves to read and write and received a tremendous well rounded liberal arts education in addition to his business degree. He thrived in the small classes, loved the FAC, the housing, and other amenities offered by Loyola.The semester abroad in New Zealand was wonderful. He needed and thrived in the small classroom environment. As he is quiet and reserved seeking help is not my S’s forte. Loyola brought out his best. S’s average class size was 16 students. He had one large lecture with 35 students.
My D had a wonderful experience at Syracuse. She is our type A energizer bunny. D triple majored in three different schools. D’s education was very job and intern focused. D had liberal arts requirements but did not experience the reading and writing rigor our S had, Initial classes at Cuse were larger lectures of 150 or more. D is a go getter so sitting in the front and going to TA and Professor office hours were no big deal for her.
My D would have enjoyed a smaller school but would have felt stifled after several semesters. D was able to spend a summer studying and interning in Italy.
S did not want fraternity life. Loyola was good for him.D loves Greek life at Cuse. (However she has a lot of reservations concerning some fraternities.)
Both schools have a number of upper middle income kids. Syracuse has a lot more diversity and international students. My D really wanted this and I believe it is a big advantage that Syracuse offers. Also the sports scene at Cuse is hard to beat.
The bottom line is Loyola and Syracuse are both great choices. Academic and financial fit would be my first two qualifiers. I would suggest taking several days off from high school for last minute visits if needed. My S did this in April and picked Loyola. My D picked Syracuse ED. Two very different personalities picked two very different schools. I believe both made the right choice.
Good luck.