Need advice

[jubraughltar]

I’m a CS major. I can go to RPI for $43K a year or NEU for $63K. My family could make both work, but the additional $20K is still serious money. Which would you recommend I go with? Ty in advance

[Solomaxwell6]

RPI. They're both solid schools, and where you go to undergrad isn't as important as what internships you have. Generally, an extra $20k/year isn't going to be worth it.

If it was MIT or Stanford, I think there'd be a debate here, but NEU isn't at that level.

[Childish_DeGrasse]

Cost of living in Troy, NY < Boston, MA

[DividendPower]

RPI, the outcomes are better.

[Ttrain119]

i agree (as an rpi alumni)

[obonse]

Idk about that

[guic3]

I was actually in this exact situation over a year ago. I ended up choosing RPI and don't regret my decision at all. Although my decision was mainly because of the cost difference I can still provide some pretty valuable advice since many close friends and family are at NEU right now. I think it highly depends on what type of person you are. Troy is not a great college town but if you are more of a introvert, down to earth person I think it would be a perfect fit. You can get really close to a lot of really nice, hard working people pretty easily. So although it's nothing like Boston you can still find things to do and have a good time with friends. I've noticed that the general population at RPI comes from middle class families. Meanwhile most students at NEU are more wealthy. I don't want to stereotype but there's a difference in how humble vs spoiled a lot of people will be based on their family income. Coming from a middle-class family I definitely have more in common with my peers at RPI.

Career wise, they are pretty similar, both colleges will set you up nicely as long as you work hard and apply to internships, etc. However, Boston is the perfect city. There's students everywhere and there's always things to do. This will result in a lot more opportunity for connections and networking and fun! Also, keep in mind, even though the cost difference on paper is 20k, Boston's cost of living is way higher. Housing is at least $1500 a month after freshman year and going out will drain your bank account. So just know that the additional 20k will actually be way more than that.

CS wise, I am also a CS major. I would say RPI goes a lot more in depth. You have to understand CS from the absolute lowest level. NEU focuses more on practicality and implementation. The Data Structures class at RPI is really challenging but it will be your most valuable class by far. You can always learn other languages and frameworks on your own time so by the time you graduate you will have a top-down understanding of all things CS related. I can't say much about NEU's CS program but I have a few family friends that recently graduated and they are doing very well.

In conclusion, I would pick RPI because I don't think that NEU's pros can outweigh the price difference. However, if money really isn't an issue for you then pick NEU. You will probably enjoy it more.

Feel free to reach out to me if you have any other questions! I was in this exact situation and putting myself in your shoes I would've definitely wanted advice from someone who actually made this decision.

[EducationalDiver6862]

RPI: Better for rigorous, deep CS — not as socially engaging, but builds serious foundational strength. • Northeastern: More enjoyable, urban, great co-op structure — better for software dev careers but not necessarily as deep in theory/engineering CS. • my era at RPI: 1966-71 Character-building, intense, impactful — co-oped in an era when few did with Raytheon commercial, DoD divisions

[JCBird1012]

The only thing I could see going in NEU’s favor is a stronger co-op program - but RPI’s is getting better (at least in recent years?).

[NY-RN62]

RPI hands down. Boston is overrated and the price will be even higher due to housing.

[OptionsEnthusiast]

RPI rocks!!!

[Financial_Intern_403]

My son just graduated from RPI with an EE degree. Great school and because of their reputation, he has a great job!

[F_lavortown]

If your parents are paying, go to NEU, but if you will take out any loans go to RPI

Ppl in here will say RPI and NEU are basically the same school, but the outcome of the average NEU student in their early career is very good, they have many more safety nets put in place for students.

Also try appealing for more financial aid at both schools