Northeastern vs. UW Madison for Mech E

OP, how do you rate these schools for the following:

  • Cost
  • Location/setting
  • Academic fit (curriculum and available courses mainly, but also – Northeastern adds an extra year with the co-op)
  • Social vibe: sports, greek/party scene, etc.

I went to UW-Madison and had a great time. I majored in Journalism, but I had friends who were in Engineering. It’s brutal. But I hear that’s more the major than the school.

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My daughter faced this very decision 3 years ago. Both are great schools. Madison was closer to home and $5000 cheaper. Northeastern was more of an unknown as we were unable to visit due to Covid. One factor for us was the college GPA progression requirements at Madison.

She chose Northeastern and it has been great. She is a junior majoring in Electrical Engineering. Her first co-op was with a biotech firm and was a great experience and she just secured her second co-op with an Electrical Engineering consulting/research firm. Don’t worry about the buildings. Northeastern has spent a ton on their engineering facilities and they are beautiful.

Congratulation, you have been admitted to two great programs! There is no wrong decision, pick the one you like. One final thought, you will get better cheese in Wisconsin, but Boston has lobster rolls.

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My daughter will have 2 co-ops and graduate in 4 years. Northeastern was generous with AP credits. Although, this dis mean that she was only home after freshman year.

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Did your child have to take summer courses her sophomore and junior summer (if their coop was during the school year)?

I think curriculum places first. I believe I can find friends anywhere, and cost is around the same although I do think Wisconsin may be a bit cheaper to live in.

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She did a 4-5 week engineering foreign studies trip after sophomore year and then returned to Boston to start her first co-op last July and will be doing the same this year except that the foreign studies opportunity is not engineering this time.

Boston is more expensive, but her co-ops have been enough to cover off-campus housing/food.

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