Villanova vs. Elon

Colleges and Universities A-Z Villanova University
1

<p>Hi there, I'm new to CC but hoped you all could provide some insight. I'm a current senior, living in New England and have been accepted to both Elon and Villanova. I've attended both school's accepted students days, and still can't decide which to attend. I intend on majoring in Communications, studying and analyzing the media (I don't so much want to make films etc. but want to analyze them, and advertisements and the effects of media and society). I'm also posting this in the Elon section to get both opinions. Sorry it's so long, but here are some of my thoughts about both schools:</p>

<p>Villanova University:
- I would major in Comm. with a specialization in Media Studies
- It's expensive, and I doubt I'll qualify for any financial aid (I didn't get any merit scholarships)
- It's Roman Catholic, and I'm non-religious (not necessarily agnostic, just unsure but have no desire to "become" religious or convert. I worry that I would feel out of place at a religious college)
- I'm also not Asian, not white (I say this b/c I've heard of the Vanilla-nova stereotype. I've gone to private, mostly white prep schools all my life, so I don't think this would bother me too much, but coupled with the religious affiliation, I worry that I'd never fit in)
- I know that Villanova is more well known than Elon, and I think academically, may be better (thought I'm not sure about Comm. specifically)
- Their 99% placement rate is really impressive
- I'm definitely not a partier, but I'm unsure how much fun students have (Villa-no-fun). Do parties occur, esp. for freshmen or sophomores? The religious aspect, plus the fact freshmen and sophomores don't have cars, would signify to me that besides school sanctioned events, there aren't many parties and such.
- When I visited, I really felt like I could go there. I liked the Augustinian message of service to others, and the people and school seemed really wholesome. I'm looking for a school where I can meet intelligent, really wholesome people who are about their schoolwork, others, and society (maybe that's too high of an order for a college?). It also had a more "academic feel" to me than Elon
- I've heard the extensive course work (For Arts and Science) is difficult and doesn't leave many other classes for students to take classes that interest them</p>

<p>Elon University:
- I would major in Comm. Science (They told me that next year, they're changing the major to be called Media Analyst but it's basically the same major)
- I have a $4500 scholarship there, and it's much cheaper to begin with than Villanova
- There's a lot of Greek life, and it's what I call "southern Greek life" as opposed to Nova's Greek life. I know it sounds crazy but for some reason, I feel like southern Greek life is the more stereotypical, Lily Pulitzer, pearls, pretty blondes. I may be totally wrong, but southern Greek life makes me more uncomfortable than the Greek life at Nova. Again, I may be wrong. I'd probably join Greek life at both colleges, but I'd join it at Nova because I want to, and at Elon because I'd feel like I had to in order to have a social life at all
- Elon is definitely moving up in the ranks, but it's still not as well known as Nova. I know prestige shouldn't matter, but for getting jobs it might.
- I love the 5 Elon Experiences, and how Study Abroad, Internships, Service are all incorporated into the curriculum. At the same time, it seems like everything might be too easy at Elon, if that makes sense. The teachers are all incredible and willing to bend over backwards to help students, but I've always been independent and a really good student so I feel like I might feel babied? In one of the acceptance videos, the director said something along the lines of "We take B students and help them grow" which worries me because I'm quite a good student and might feel held back or coddled too much
- Along with the previous post, I don't think that Elon is academically as challenging as Villanova, and I love being challenged academically. Also, if the students are "B students" (I'm sorry if I'm offending anyone, I'm just relaying what I heard in the video!) then would I get the intelligent conversations I want to have in college? Would fellow students be as motivated as I am?
- Obviously, the campus is beautiful and it would be a blessing to spend 4 years on it. </p>

<p>Any comments you have, opinions, facts, personal experiences are greatly welcomed!! If I have made any incorrect assumptions or am wrong about a stereotype, please let me know!</p>

2

<p>There is nothing near Elon, while Villanova is not far from Philly. Do you have a preference regarding that or regarding weather (a bit different between the two)? If you are Catholic, is access to Mass important and if so do they have an active Catholic group and mass available at Elon?
If all else is equal and money is at all a factor, then it sounds like Elon wins. But if you want big time school sports and access to a city and airport without needing a car, I would Villanova wins (for instance). You are in a good position with two good choices. You will be fine!</p>

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<p>Greek life is definitely big at Elon, but not essential to having a social life. The winter term at Elon makes it easy to study abroad without disrupting the courses you need to complete your major, although in Communications it’s probably not as difficult to do a semester abroad as it would be for someone in the physical sciences. Communications is a really strong department. I’m surprised at the “B” students comment in the video - Elon admissions just continues to get more competitive. Profs take a genuine interest in students, and do try to make sure no one falls through the cracks, but they also push students with opportunities for research and presentations. There are definitely plenty of opportunities for service at Elon. Nova does have the advantage of easy public transportation into Philly, and is a more recognizable name. Elon does offer lots of lectures/performances and such on campus, but you do need a car to get to a city of any size (although you can get shuttles to the airports). Once you start to look at cost though, it’s hard to not choose Elon.</p>

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<p>Elon is a much less competitive school. Villanova and Elon aren’t even in the same league, I am surprised this is a discussion. Nova is more similar to Wake Forest (if we are taking the Southern university route). </p>

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<p>For some people, the decision on which college to attend comes down to more than just how competitive the school is and how recognizable the name is. OP states that Nova offered no aid. Elon is about $15k/year less than Nova to begin with, and offered $4500/year in aid. The real question is, is Nova worth $80k more than Elon after 4 years? If money is not a problem, then go for it. If that $80k means taking on a financial burden including large loans that will leave the student in debt for years, then no. Especially given how strong Elon’s communications program is. I’ll grant that Wake is more comparable academically, but is also comparable financially, and OP would probably be in the same boat at Wake with not being offered merit money. </p>

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<p>I live in the Villanova area. This is the first time I’ve heard Villa-no-fun. There are lots of parties as the neighbors in the surrounding community will attest. :slight_smile: Most parties for freshman and sophomores are off campus. As far as sororities and fraternities, they’re not a huge presence. I don’t think the majority of kids join them.</p>

<p>Villanova has a better reputation, but I’ll echo what the others have said. Unless money is no object, save your 80 grand and go to Elon.</p>

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<p>@bayernmunich31 As both Elon and Nova are#1 regional universities, why do you say they are not in the same league? I believe Nova’s name recognition is much greater. I am curious as to your thoughts beyond that?</p>

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<p>I did apply to Wake Forest and even though I have yet to hear back, I have already decided I don’t want to go because their Comm major isn’t as comprehensive as either Elon or Nova’s. They are also a very expensive school– On par with Nova in the financial sense. Financially, I could go to Nova or Elon and probably come out of Nova with minimal debt, but nothing for grad school. I’m wondering though, if I spend more on a recognizable undergrad school, if I will even need to go to graduate school… Irrelevant to the Nova vs. Elon debate here, but just to throw a wrench in my own plans, a few days ago I was also accepted to S.I. Newhouse School of Communication at Syracuse so that changes things again :/</p>

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<p>I would suggest Syracuse because apparently that is the best program for communications. I really wouldn’t recommend Elon over Nova either. </p>

<p>@taben1112
Elon is not considered, in my opinion, to be on the same level as Nova because Nova has stronger programs in traditional fields ie. Engineering, Business and Liberal Arts. Likewise, the Nova brand is more recognizable and more desirable. While acceptance rates at both schools are comparable, the Nova applicant pool is more self selecting ( for example ACT ranges: Nova 29-32, Elon 25-29). </p>

<p>I think that while comparing them for a specific program may be useful, as a comprehensive university I would consider Elon a safety school if Nova was my top choice. </p>

<p>I encourage you to find evidence whether it be application statistics or employer statistics that suggest otherwise.</p>

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<p>@bayernmunich31 as I stated in my post I am ‘curious as to your thoughts’, not disagreeing with them. I am also curious as to how people measure schools beyond the rankings, which in and of themselves cannot tell the full story and certainly cannot determine ‘fit’. You make excellent points. Still, from a rankings standpoint, they are ‘together’. Now I would imagine that the region Nova is placed in is stronger than that of Elon?
Also, solely out of curiosity, why is Nova not ranked Nationally (on the 'ol Newsweek rankings that students to often salivate over!)? That does surprise me. We have no ‘dog in the fight’ as Elon is concerned. None of my kids have had an interest in it though it seems to be pulling in more and more geographically diverse students and is said to be ‘solid’. But to OPs questions, there are some tangible differences with Nova in terms of location and the things you mentioned.</p>

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<p>@taben1112
I didn’t mean to come across as combative, but I would agree that Nova’s recognition as just a regional university is a bit antiquated. I think the application numbers might tell a better story since Villanova only gets around 15k applicants. </p>

<p>As a student who is receiving their decisions right now, I will tell you that I think rankings are completely and utterly worthless. Trying to rank a university is nearly impossible, a liberal arts school might be easier, but in a university context it is more important to compare the program you are applying to. I don’t think anyone looks at Elon and says “wow, program x really appeals to me”. Where I come from (North East) and where my brother goes to school (North Carolina) Elon is referred to as “Private school for kids who should have gone to state school”. </p>

<p>I agree that fit trumps all, but to a degree. While I have been defending Nova extensively, I will admit that I do not like the place that much. I think that it is too conservative and lacks a campus that I would enjoy. The student body seems too small etc. </p>

<p>As a disclaimer, I will admit that I am a bit of a school snob. I don’t think I have accomplished anything significant, but I can be dismissive of schools that I haven’t researched extensively. I have only looked at the skeleton of Elon. </p>

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<p>the communications school at syracuse is by far the best…I know for a fact that is one of the best communication programs in the country. As for Elon and Villanova, i’d say go where the money is. I know that Nova is insanely expensive and they are not very generous with financial aid. I have been to Elon and its a beautiful school, but i dont remember the tuition. If I were in your spot now, Id probably choose Elon because I’ve heard its the best; sorority and frats, warm weather and a “presidential-looking” school. Dont know, though, up to you! Good luck.</p>

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<p>“why is Nova not ranked Nationally?”. Nova has no graduate schools other than law and offers few masters and no PhDs. As a small university it is fine (more than fine; #1 in the northeast region), but it can’t compare to the major universities that have many graduate programs, offer various doctorates and do major research. </p>

<p>If you got into Newhouse, you’d be crazy not to go! The best for communication, Syracuse is a big private school with lots to do in the medium sized city. Only drawback is the dismal NY winters.</p>