University of Rochester vs Penn State University Park

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I am currently undecided as to what I want to be. I'm stuck between Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, and/or business. University of Rochester is probably considered more prestigious in general than PSU,while I heard PSU is ranked in the top 20 for its engineering programs. I visited both campuses, and I liked the Rochester one better, and I also like how they only have one required class, allowing students to pursue their own interests more freely. So which one is better if I decided to do </p>

<p>1.business?
2.engineering?</p>

2

<p>I’d say Penn State is better than rochester for business and they are equal in Engineering (depending on the field)</p>

3

<p>Overall, Rochester is more rigorous academically, and its econ department is quite strong. Also, don’t forget that Rochester is a medium-sized private school whereas Penn State is a huge state university. The feelings you get from the two schools will be very different.</p>

4

<p>Will differences in net cost between the two be a significant factor for you?</p>

5

<p>Money probably is not going to be that big of a difference. Overall, without the rankings and prestige, I like Rochester a lot more than PSU, because of its general environment after visiting both colleges and because of the academic freedom both colleges provide.
But if there is a significant difference between the strength of their business and/or engineering programs to the point that employers might favor one over the another, that can greatly influence my decision.</p>

6

<p>Have you considered programs that have a good mix of business and technology… The College of Information Sciences and Technology at PSU offers somethings that might be right up your ally… check it out, ist.PSU.edu… and it has the second highest placement into full-time employment and the 2nd highest starting salary on the PSU campus</p>

7

<p>Rochester undergraduate business program is brand new, so it would be a bit difficult to get an accurate assessment of how strong it is.</p>

8

<p>What other schools have you considered? There are plenty where you can blend your interests in CS, ME and business. An example is WPI where many ME or CS majors minor in their tech-oriented business programs such as Entrepreneurship, Management, Management Information Systems, or Organizational Leadership. [School</a> of Business: The School of Business - WPI](<a href=“http://www.wpi.edu/academics/business/about.html]School”>http://www.wpi.edu/academics/business/about.html)</p>