I’m deciding between Syracuse University and UIUC because I was recently awarded more money by Syracuse. I would have to pay $5,000 less money annually at Syracuse than I would at UIUC. Also, I’m from Illinois. I want to know what are the pros and cons of both schools. (Environment, prestige, dorms, school spirit, academics, clubs, job opportunities, etc). Thank you!!
What is your intended major ? What are your feelings about Greek life. College sports. Does the 5000 represent a significant impact on your family’s quality of life. Will you have to take out loans. How do you feel about piles of snow in the winter?
@privatebanker I’m thinking about rushing but I’m not sure yet. I plan on joining sports/clubs. I’m very interested in attending a school that has a lot school of school spirit and presents students with many different opportunities. I will not have to take out loans, because my parents and I will be able to afford it. I qualified for a work study program at SU but not UIUC.
It sounds like you’re leaning toward Syracuse.
If you were in a specific program that’s particularly strong at UIUC and not-so-much at SU (i.e. computer science), then I would hesitate. But if your academic interests are as well-served at SU as at UIUC, then I don’t see the downside of going to a school 1/3 the size and more cohesive in terms of school spirit - which you sound like you would enjoy.
SU has not been without strife the past few years - a lot of the faculty and students are unhappy with the leadership, and some feel that poor decisions (i.e. failure to invest in the Honors program, and softening on the commitment to attract a diverse student body) are weakening the trajectory of SU’s reputation. But then again, it’s not like people are universally thrilled with the State of Illinois’ commitment to higher ed, so… feels like six of one, half a dozen of the other to me, on that front.
So that brings us back to the “what do you want to do academically?” question.
@aquapt thanks for the input! I was accepted into public health at Syracuse, but I’m thinking about something business related. At UIUC, I was accepted as an undecided major.
I don’t know anything about Syracuse.
I am the parent of 2 Illini. My daughter graduated last year and my son is a rising senior in Gies - the College of Business.
You haven’t provided a lot of information, but I will throw out some things to think about.
– It is fairly difficult to transfer into business from ‘undecided’.
– While there are many opportunities at UIUC (study abroad, lots of club sports and RSOs), good time management skills are a must.
– Post-graduation employment will depend on your work ethic and focus. A definite plus for U of I is its name recognition and high job placement in the Chicago area. I suggest you think about where you’d like to live and work upon graduation.
Ultimately you must know yourself…your wants, your needs, your ability to succeed at the university you choose. Good luck at whichever school you attend!
@88jm19 thank you much!!
Hi! I know this post is pretty old, but I’m actually trying to decide between those two schools right now, and I was interested in the one you picked and why. I’d love to get your perspective on it 