I’m having a really tough time deciding between these two schools. I want to major in engineering (I am undecided about which type). Any thoughts? Thanks so much!
My D is grappling with the same choice. I don’t think that either of you can make a bad decision because both are very good schools, though they are somewhat different. At the moment my D plans to major in Communication, though she may change to undeclared. I don’t know anything about the engineering departments. In terms of general quality of life, however, the schools are somewhat different. Though still a large university, UD is somewhat smaller than UMass. It is what I would call a small large school, if that makes any sense. It has a typical quad layout and the university would be relatively easy to navigate on foot. The school itself is lovely, one of the most attractive public universities that I have visited. The students themselves seem very enthusiastic and friendly. UD ranks slightly higher than UMass in U.S. News. It is also somewhat more expensive for out of state residents, $3,700 more expensive to be exact. The town of Newark runs directly through the university and it consists of one street with a number of small stores and businesses that cater, mostly to college students, along with the ever present Starbucks/Barnes and Noble. One would assume that it might be slightly easier to navigate the academic bureaucracy at a smaller university, though this is not always the case. Would a smaller perhaps more friendly environment appeal to you or would one street Newark feel claustrophobic after a while? Would you feel more comfortable with fewer people and buildings and shorter distances to navigate, or do you think that you might get bored with perhaps fewer things to do and mostly the same kinds of people?
By contrast, UMass is an enormous school, almost a city in itself. It might be more impersonal due to its size; however that size also means that there will probably be more going on all of the time and more different kinds of people going there. You would probably have to do a lot more walking in colder weather to get to class. The campus itself is actually more attractive than we had anticipated, but it is not UD. The architecture is more varied with several not too attractive 60s and 70s buildings. But the campus is well maintained and there are several attractive older as well as newer buildings along with quite a bit of new construction. Another plus is the Five College Consortium. You would have the opportunity to take up to two courses per semester at Amherst College, Hampshire, Mount Holyoake or Smith. Amherst is truly a college town. It is larger and a bit more upscale than Newark and there are malls with large chain stores on the outskirts. It is unlikely that you would be bored at UMass. A school that large will have something for everyone. The students there told us that often students from the smaller colleges in the area come to events at UMass on the weekend because there is always something to going on, and in fact, even the students who have moved off campus come back for the weekend events. Another small plus is that the food in the cafeterias at UMass has been rated among the best in the country. We sampled it and I can say unequivocally that it was delicious. Despite this, you might not gain that freshman 15 due to the preponderance of fresh, organic produce. Just stay away from the ice cream bar. 
Would you find a school that large with all that it has to offer exciting and stimulating or do you think that it might feel overwhelming?
Along with this is the fact that, in addition to purchasing an education, you are buying a credential. Generally, the credentials are probably about equal. Neither is Harvard, but both are ranked among the top 100 schools in the country and are among the top public universities. Which engineering department is better? Who will be your professors? Which attracts the better engineering students? These people will provide connections and opportunities for you in the future. While prestige isn’t everything, it is not nothing either. Would a future employer be more impressed with one than another?
Finally, there are financial considerations. As I mentioned, UD is more expensive for out of state residents. Did one offer you a better scholarship? Is one closer to home for you? Transportation and its costs are another factor.
All in all, our impressions were that UD was smaller, friendlier, more charming an perhaps a bit provincial. UMass was more impersonal but the environment was also more stimulating and the students seemed a bit more sophisticated. It might take more maturity and patience to navigate UMass, but the opportunities that it offers might be worth it.
At the moment, my D is leaning towards UMass. We initially thought that she would choose UD, but we visited UMass yesterday and were pleasantly surprised. While she is a little intimidated by the size and the cold weather, I think that she will manage it and she might get a little bored in a one street town. Also, UMass gave her a nice scholarship and that together with the cost differential makes UMass more attractive financially. Hope that this was helpful. Good luck with your decision and congratulations on your acceptances.