UMass Amherst Honors vs BC vs NEU

State Forums
1

Hey all, this is my first post on the forum because I need advice. I was accepted into UMass Amherst’s Commonwealth Honors College, Boston College, and Northeastern (And about 5 waitlists, but I can’t rely on those). At all three schools, I will likely be undeclared. How does the Honors College at UMass compare to the education I can get at the other two? I really love both BC and NU, but the price tag is double what I’d pay for at UMass. Plus, I think my parents are pretty against paying for schools in the 40k range. Could you guys help me with some of my questions?

  1. What’s the difference in education I’ll get at UMass compared to BC or NU? This is hard to quantify, but if anyone could offer me some sort of answer, that would great. I.e, is the difference worth 20-25k more per year?
  2. Is grad school truly only realistic if I go to the cheaper option at UMass?
  3. Is transferring into the engineering schools feasible at UMass Amherst or NU? Specifically the civil/environmental programs.
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UMASS Amherst is a great school, and if your parents are verbally telling you they don’t like the expensive options, it sounds like it’s your best bet. NEU and BC aren’t worth 80k more if you can’t afford it. If it’s possible, its a different story, but it doesn’t sound like it would be very comfortable for your parents.