Tulane vs. Pitt

Colleges and Universities A-Z Tulane University
1

<p>I have to commit to a college by May 1, and right now I am unsure of whether to send my deposit to Pitt or Tulane. I am wait-listed at Vanderbilt and will go there if accepted, but for now it is between these two.</p>

<p>At Pitt, I will already know plenty of people. It would also be significantly less expensive, even with a large scholarship at Tulane ($27K). I like the sports scene there, and the school spirit. The Cathedral of Learning is a great building and provides a very nice setting for learning. Of all the people I know who went there, none have had a complaint. I would probably be living in honors housing, which would be a bit of a hike down the hill to class. Also, when I visited, the campus seemed a bit too urban. I want access to a major city, but I prefer the campus to be isolated, like it is at Tulane and even more so at Vanderbilt.</p>

<p>Tulane has a bit of a better reputation, but seems like a bit of a party school. I have heard plenty of complaints about Bruff Commons, and when I ate there, it did seem disorganized. I would also probably be living in honors housing at Tulane, though other housing options have been recommended to me. Sports at Tulane are pretty weak for Division I, and the football team is extremely out of place playing at the Superdome. New Orleans is a more interesting city than Pittsburgh, but Pitt has more programs in the city. NOLA is a great place for music, which is one of my primary interests, but not necessarily a deciding factor. I liked Tulane's campus and climate more than Pitt's.</p>

<p>I'd appreciate any help. Right now I am undecided for my major. Thanks.</p>

2

<p>My d had the exact choice 2 years ago. She was torn and ultimately chose Tulane, mainly because the city of NOLA beat the city of Pittsburgh. She never regretted the choice. I think you set forth the pros and cons very clearly and only you can come up with the right answer for you. For us: Cathedral of Learning–cool building but I wouldn’t choose a college based on that. The hike down the hill-only comes into play in really bad weather and don’t they have a shuttle? The difference in tuition sure would be meaningful. But without knowing your financial situation, your major, plans for grad school, etc., only you can answer this question. Good luck! They are both great choices.</p>

3

<p>My daughter is a sophomore at Tulane and absolutely loves the school and New Orleans, especially the “music scene” and NOLA restaurant offerings. As far as campus food goes, I ate at Bruff on a visit and thought the food was pretty good. You can also eat at Loyola University’s dining hall as well–cross privileges are in place. Loyola is right next to Tulane-hard to tell where one campus ends and the other begins. Another huge factor for my daughter was the weather-she could not abide the thought of the New England winters her sister endured in college.</p>