I have been accepted into the Rutgers School of Engineering, Stony Brook, and the University of Maryland. Of the three I’m not sure of which one I should attend. I am a resident of New Jersey, so Rutgers would cost me around 30k. Stony Brook offered me a $6500 per year scholarship, bringing that tuition to around 30k as well. Maryland would cost me the typical out of state fee of around 45k (assuming I receive no scholarship because I haven’t received on so far).
I intend on becoming a Chemical Engineer, and Maryland’s program outranks my other options, but it is also significantly more money. I do not come from a family with a lot of money, but for complicated reasons, I receive minimal financial aid, so money does factor into this decision. I also don’t really want to go to Rutgers as it was my last choice when I applied to colleges, but it’s starting to seem like a decent option along with the other two schools in this post. I was wondering if anyone had any insight on which school would be the best choice for me. Any input is greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Yeah, I remember seeing that on some ranking lists. I was wondering if it would be worth the extra 15k a year to attend UMD. Also, does anyone have anything to say about the campuses, student bodies, etc. of these three schools? I want to have multiple opinions to work off of. Any additional help would be greatly appreciated!
I think your solution is dependent on how much your parents can contribute without breaking the bank, and how much debt you would have to incur for each option, if applicable.
I’m a Rutgers Engineering alum from back in the day. Even though, I’ve lost touch with the school and only attend Rutgers sporting events, I’m sure the engineering program is challenging as it was when I attended.
I visited Maryland-CP twice in the past year with my youngest D, once for perspective students day and the second time for admitted students day. We both enjoyed the campus a lot. I was surprised. She had an opportunity to go out in the evening with Maryland students which gave her a good feel for the social aspects. I have to admit I was fascinated with their student body. I clearly observed how diversified and individualistic their students are. Also, very much STEM oriented with many excellent majors in math and science fields.
My D decided on another school which presented a better fit for her academically in terms of interest in majors, and socially. She found her “people”.
Wish you the best on making a decision. I know it’s not easy.
@ucbalumnus My parents have been pretty quiet about the monetary issue. I recall my parents saying that they would pay for any of the three, but that is always subject to change a little bit once they see the actual price tags.
@NJIUdad Thank you for the insight! This has been a tough decision so far and I don’t foresee it getting any easier. I guess I need to find out where my parents draw the line in terms of financial support and work from there.
Rutgers. For undergraduate engineering, it is perfectly fine, and the bill will almost certainly be less. Many of your classmates there will have been admitted to places even better than UMD, but will have made the same money-saving choice as you. When you get all of your aid packages, run the numbers here: http://www.finaid.org/calculators/awardletteradvanced.phtml
@ucbalumnus I recall showing them the costs when I applied back in November but I don’t know if they still remember. I’m gonna ask them about it when they get home.
