I have been given a full-ride scholarship to Howard University and a scholarship for RPI (72,000 out of 75,000 a year). I won a $10,000 scholarship as well to pay for the difference and I would only have a couple thousand left over. I am pursuing a computer science major and I am beyond confused. The HBCU experience at Howard is unmatched and I would love to spend my 4 years there. RPI has a very high starting salary, I can dual major ( I plan to add a degree in cognitive science or physics if I got there) , there’s a BSA and a pretty small population with tutoring/other ways of helping. Howard won’t allow me to double major, but I can double minor. I don’t think that will open as many opportunities as a double major if I am being honest. My Howard scholarship requires me to go to grad school which I am sure will raise my salary regardless. I don’t know what to do though. If anyone (RPI or Howard students) can offer any input, advice, or experiences to help my decision, please do. I was given until 11:59pm today despite being told yesterday night of my Howard scholarship offer. I am asking for an extension, but until then…please help.
For students decisive in their preference for a tech-oriented college environment, RPI can make an excellent choice. Notably, RPI engages in computer science projects on a world level, for example: https://www.timesunion.com/news/amp/New-RPI-supercomputer-is-among-world-s-fastest-14888357.php.
In your case, though, you have indicated that Howard’s history and atmosphere offer much in general that appeals to you. In considering this direction, your own intuition may offer you sufficient insight in support of this credible alternative choice in this comparison.
Is the net price at RPI $72k, or is that the amount of the scholarship, leaving a net price of $3k?
Double majors are somewhat overrated for post-graduation goals like jobs; you can choose one major as your primary major and take out-of-major elective course work in the other subject as your interest leads you.
How does an undergraduate scholarship require you to go to graduate school? Do you have to pay it back if you do not go to graduate school?
Graduate degrees in STEM do not equal high starting salaries. Most engineering firms concentrate on hiring BS holders. MA or PhD holders MAY get higher salaries, but not for entry-level STEM jobs. Significant work experience is responsible for high salaries for STEM graduate degree holders. RPI is a great STEM experience. At Howard, if you join NSBE and attend national conferences, you’ll meet lots of corporate recruiters.