I recently got admitted to both Northeastern and Lehigh University and I’m conflicted. I definitely could use some advice on where I should commit to in the meantime. I am hoping to become a chemical product manager in the future.
Lehigh:
-Admitted into my dream IBE (Integrated Business and Engineering) Program with approximately 50 acceptances each cycle
-16k a year out of state for a total of 5 years. (Might have to pay for that extra fifth year but not sure)
-About 2 hours from home
-Less student population so more tight knit student body
-Great job placement and return in investment
Northeastern:
-Admitted into the Boston Campus and honors program
-Would be able to pursue a minor in business with my major in Chemical Engineering
-Number one ranked Co-Op program
-9k a year out of state price for 4 years (I am low-middle income so this price is very appealing to me)
You are committing - not committing in the meantime. A WL means you have not been accepted.
So get your mind around - the one you choose is where you are headed and both are great!!
At Lehigh, you got your dream!! That says a lot. Out of state doesn’t matter - it’s a private, not public university.
Same with NEU - you got need based aid - but your state of residence plays no part in the #.
So you bring up an important part - a 5th year.
If you want to be a chemical engineer, it will be needed at Lehigh - and at what cost? It’s another year of school and a lost year of earnings. You should check with Lehigh to ensure aid will still apply.
If you don’t want to be an engineer, then you don’t need an ABET accredited engineering certificate - you’ll have the general engineering degree.
Given what you state, Northeastern provides a lower cost and quicker opportunity to be employed - as a chemical engineer or something adjacent as you noted (product manager).
But if you like the IBE program, it’s great but it will come at a cost - unless you leave after four years at which you likely won’t be able to become an engineer - but that might not be what you want anyway.
I guess what I’m saying is NU gives you, in my opinion, more flexibility and certainty.
Thanks for the advice. Since IBE allows engineering accreditation with a fifth year I will have to follow up with the office on how my tuition cost would be impacted. As of now I am definitely set on getting a degree in Engineering so I can work in a specific chemical sector.
Be sure you understand the affordability of each school (particularly the fifth year for Lehigh). After that it is personal preference. Two reasonable people could make two different choices. Some things to consider:
–Do you want to be in a city or not?
–Do you want a co-op program?
–Do you like the combined IBE program?
There are enough differences between the two schools that one should stand out as being the better fit for you.
It sounds like you prefer Lehigh but as you noted you can do a business minor at Northeastern and for all intents and purposes, it’s likely a similar educational outcome. In fact, if you plan to be an engineer - a deadly combo is an engineer with an MBA - so you might hold off on the business aspect undergrad altogether.
When you go a 5th year, not only does it cost you, but if the job market stays current, in addition to more salary, it costs you $80K+ in salary.
So an engineering degree sans business at Lehigh might also give value - although I understand that you like the uniqueness of IBE. Honestly, to me it sounds like some marketing spin - they ‘created’ a new program type - sort of a sampler - and they are marketing it very well.
So in my mind, Northeastern is your better bet all the way around - but if you don’t want to go to Northeastern, that’s different.
If you are going to counter everyone, but Lehigh this and Lehigh that, I think internally, without realizing, you might have made your decision!!!
There was a story the other day about FSU and Ole Miss and the student couldn’t decide so did a heads is one, tails is the other. The coin landed however it did and the student said, I wanted it to land on the other side.
They had already picked a winner without realizing they picked a winner.
I personally chose Lehigh over Northeastern 2 years ago with almost the same aid as you, and have never regretted my decision. The job placement and internship opportunities here are just as great (if not better) IMO than at Northeastern. The IBE program is fantastic and many grads have a six-figure salary from what I’ve seen. Lehigh has a true collegiate campus integrated into a smaller city, whereas Northeastern is truly in the heart of Boston - personally, I preferred some trees and traditional dorms. Feel free to DM me if you have any other questions.
This is pretty interesting - scroll to the bottom and they have alumni by year.
It takes you to their linkedin if there is one.
It was eye opening to me and doesn’t necessarily equivalate to what many on here say it should (I banking) - but of course the content is only as good as those who participate. And the roles are certainly substantial.
I recently emailed a director of the program and she disclosed to me that an IBE degree only offers 4 years of financial aid.
Lehigh’s financial aid situation is definitely the final determining factor of me deciding to commit to Northeastern. Lehigh reduced my sibling count in determining aid because she is in graduate school, although Northeastern accounted for it (hence their lower tuition price). Lehigh also mentioned in my award letter that any Pell Grant I receive will result in a dollar for dollar reduction to any Lehigh Grant that I have received.
Lehigh’s program was a great opportunity for my career choice but overall the Northeastern Promise was the most accommodating and fulfilled all my aid. I am excited to commit! I am hopeful that I will get off my waitlist in the future but I am definitely satisfied with this outcome.