I have basically narrowed down my college choices to Villanova and Tulane. I’m really just looking for a college that has the perfect balance between education and fun. While I’m leaning Tulane, my main concern is that I won’t do as well academically there cuz it’s a little bit of a party school. On the flip side, Villanova seems a little too academically focused and I’m worried I won’t have as fun of an experience if I go there. What do you guys think? Is one a little/a lot better than the other or are we just splitting hairs?
Another big concern is the atmosphere and student body in general at these two schools. What the vibe? What are the kids like? Are they nice, uptight, chill, preppy, fun?
A little about me:
I’m a pretty social guy
I take academics seriously
I’m pretty athletic and I plan on playing some clubs/intramural sports
My short term goal is to be a Marine officer and I’m doing ROTC in college to secure a source of commission
Long term (after military) I want to be an entrepreneur or financial adviser
If I go to Tulane I’ll be a finance major, Villanova I would be an economics major
I plan on joining a frat
Also one question I have that has confused me for a while is why Tulane students on average earn so much less than Villanova students post graduation. They seem like their student bodies are very similar and both have an ACT range of 29-32. But on average Tulane grads make $45,000 vs Villanova’s $52,900
I would go with Villanova (not just because I went there)
The ROTC program is arguably better and VSB has access to a better economic market as you would be closer to PHI and NYC which are much bigger markets than NO.
Moreover, NOVA basketball is better than Tulane basketball.
Both are very fine schools academically, and you can have as much/as little fun and socializing at either one of them as you want. Yes, Tulane has a party rep, but Villanova kids are no slouches when it comes to partying (I mean that in a nice way).
Visiting (or even re-visiting if possible) is probably the best way to get a sense of the atmosphere at each school.
What do you really WANT to major in? If it’s Finance, but you didn’t get into Nova’s B-school, then that might be something that pushes you toward Tulane.
Also, are finances/travel costs an issue? Is one closer to/farther from home, and does that make it more/less desirable?
Probably because the PHI and NYC markets pay more than NO market
Also going off the average salary point, 6 years after graduation the average nova grad is making 73,000 vs. Tulane’s 52,000 according to collegescorecard.gov. That definitely makes me think that Villanova’s location and career advising may be better, but that’s just my opinion. I’m probably going to Villanova and one thing I love about it is how easy it is how close it is to Philly and NYC.
Be careful not to compare apples to oranges: the relevant comparison is what Tualne grads in the northeast are making as opposed to Nova grads in the northeast. Also remember that VERY few Tulane grads go into the labor market right out of undergrad. Almost all go on to medicine, law or a Masters or Ph. D program. Congrats on two great choices, though! Best of luck!
I agree that Tulane’s avg salary is brought down by the # of alumni still in grad/med/law school or not earning much 5 years out of college, whereas Nova is very business outcome focused.
As for partying, I don’t know anything about Tulane’s rep, but NO is certainly a party city. I’ve heard that Villanova is called “Villa-no-fun” by its students, and that it lacks a social life especially on weekends. I’ve heard a few reports from friends whose kids are there that Nova draws a lot of students who live within 2 hours of the school & many go home on weekends, leaving the campus to be empty at times. My son visited in Feb on a Sunday & didn’t see this personally, but has heard from a HS classmate (from Calif) that many kids go home a lot (& his friend goes home w/his gf.) This doesn’t phase my son as he isn’t a partier & has uncles/aunts/grandparents 20 miles away that he could go “home” to if he wanted.
The NROTC at Nova is what may make your decision (& is one of the reasons why Nova is one of the tops on my son’s list). They are 2nd to USNA in # of flag officers. If my son goes to Nova, he’s going to do Marine option also.
It won’t matter which school you go to for Marines as long as you have a guaranteed ROTC spot at both (scholarship?).
Do you want to live near Philly and NYC or in NOLA? Do you want mild winters but lots of rain or four seasons?
I am also deciding between Tulane and Villanova!!! I’m leaning towards Villanova, but the party scene, or apparent lack of a party scene, is making me a little nervous. If anyone could touch on that point that would be great!
@ellie5348 and @GungaGulunga where did you decide to attend?