<p>Wow, State College and Bradford similar??? I have lived in McKean county and a suburb of Pittsburgh. I also went to Penn State UP for 4 years. Anyone who thinks that Bradford is similar to State College has never spent any time in Bradford and State College. Sorry, but really!!! I would say State College has more in common with Pittsburgh than Bradford. Pitt Bradford’s campus would be more similar to Behrend.</p>
<p>Also, Behrend is NOT only for people who couldn’t get into UP. Behrend is a small college (4600 students) that offers over 35 four year degrees. Behrend does have an honors college you may find interesting. Many students graduate from Behrend each year with a degree from Penn State. It is the exact same diploma you get if you go to UP. Behrend is one of the largest commonwealth campuses and is strong in engineering/science. Behrend has been a four year degree campus for decades! Some people attend Behrend becasue they couldn’t get into UP, but some don’t want to move, some prefer the slightly cheaper cost at Behrend. There are lots of reasons people go to Behrend. </p>
<p>Okay, back to your question. Pittsburgh is a city with all the good and bad that goes with that - lots to do, traffic, crime, good transportation, entertainment etc. I personally did not like Pitt’s campus. My son and I both prefered a closed campus. Pitt’s campus is more spread out, mixed in with other city buildings. That is personal preference. The program seemed good (we were looking at chem e), housing is easy to find although safe, decent housing wasn’t cheap, lots of options for the GF. Coming from Bradford, Pittsburgh is the city!</p>
<p>State College and Behrend - you get the same diploma no matter which campus you attend so it doesn’t matter as far as that goes. Behrend does not offer all degrees but does appear to have computer engineering and biology. Both are very nice campuses, Behrend being MUCH smaller. Behrend has some big time givers which has resulted in new buildings and updated labs - if you haven’t visited you should. The campus has an Erie address but there is nothing around it. It is only a short drive (10 min) to the city. You probably want a car if you go to Behrend although like Pitt you can ride the Erie busses for free at Behrend. Housing is cheap and easy to find but limited within walking distance of campus. </p>
<p>State College is a mix of the two with some of the advantages/disadvantages of a city but it is surrounded by countryside. Penn State"s job placement is #1 even if you graduate from Behrend. PSU has so much to offer including a beautiful campus, world class faculty and facilities. The variety of classes offered at PSU is amazing. </p>
<p>You need to visit each campus if you haven’t done that yet. I am pro Penn State, XtremePower appears to be pro Pitt. That is our experience. You need to really think about if you want to live in the city or not. Pittsburgh and Pitt have a lot to offer but you may not like living in the city or maybe you will love it. State College and PSU have a lot to offer but it may not be for you or maybe you will love it! It sounds to me like Behrend may be the prefect place for you and your girlfriend. It is not that far from Bradford, try to make the time to visit.</p>