S also won’t be able to visit any of his schools in the next month, other than the state flagship. We’re going with what we can glean from a distance and ultimately, who gives him the most money. Right now, that may well be state flagship.
The “spreadsheet vs gut” caught my attention. I called it “head vs heart” when asking S what had him so conflicted in making his decision. He heard a little of the “why here?” talk when he was attending a scholarship interview day about a month ago, at a state school that is not the flagship. It’s interesting that kids (and some grownups) feel you should always choose the better ranked school or better ranked program without taking other things into consideration.
@psychmomma I also use the “head vs heart” to describe the decision process. In my DS’s case they came together once his engineers head had enough data to give the heart what it also decided it wanted. Yes, there may be a young lady involved in some of that data.
@Cheeringsection I am not known for having a filter so I’m happy to share, and thanks for the offer. 
Temple:
Pluses: Best aid by far, honors program with a lot of perks
Minuses: Not known for their engineering, although she wants urban she has worries about the location
Northeastern:
Pluses: Loves the location, loves the co-op program
Minuses: Big financial stretch
Stevens:
Pluses: Loves the location, loves the co-op program, honors program with a lot of perks
Minuses: Big financial stretch, some negative reviews/vibes on Niche, Princeton Review, and CC.
The amount my husband and I can pay has remains constant and covers Temple. Northeastern and Stevens would require loans for her, plus living more frugally and working more. I feel fairly confident she will stick with engineering, so in theory she should have the salary to pay the loans.
I know conventional wisdom is an ABET accredited degree is an ABET accredited degree, go for the cheapest option. But back to the idea attitude is the most important factor for success, I can’t seen to convince her to be excited about Temple. How much she might end up paying in loans for that attitude is a real concern for me. That said, high school has pretty much sucked for her, and I would love love love for her to go someplace that she is thrilled to attend.
Obviously, TMI should be my middle name. Palm “TMI” 715 thanks you for any and all suggestions.
@palm715 Let’s say that money was not an issue, which one would she pick? Where’s her heart?
A girl I met at overnight and have been talking to on Facebook ever since changed her mind when she got into her dream school. Happy for her of course because she’s a nice person. But still, she was the only person I talked to whose in my major. Oh well
So sorry it worked out that way @readingclaygirl !
@palm715 I am honored that you took my offer. I am sure others here can speak specifically about Northeastern. If the co-op is mandatory does that also mean nearly guaranteed earnings to reduce the financial burden?
Thank you @Cheeringsection I know I’ll make friends
@kittymom1102 Stevens
@Cheeringsection I wonder if they included that in their estimate , because a coop may also increase the cost of if it delays her graduation. Lots of things to think about.
I agree @carolinamom2boys. We have a mandatory co-op school that DS applied to that is a 5 year but only 8 semesters of tuition program. Students sometimes choose it over other schools because the mandatory co-op means they WILL find a position with the school’s help rather than just knowing they NEED to find one to cover some costs. The fee that students pay during co-op semesters is minimal and some co-op positions include housing. A great option if finances are tight.
@palm715 Is the difference between the best fin aid and Stevens super-big? Are the job/professional prospect similar at both?
@palm715 - I’ve heard of some kids taking longer to graduate from NEU, though of course it has a very solid reputation for engineering jobs in the northeast. Temple is also a great option, particularly because it has about the same reputation but it sounds like an economic no-brainer. I’m not as enthusiastic about Stevens - what is it that is your D’s love at Stevens so we can get a better sense?
She wants to do co-op. It’s available at all three w/ Northeastern and Stevens having a much higher participation and well-developed program than Temple. Fees are minimal during co-ops, and the key is finding one that pays more than cost of living so she save clear some of earnings. It’s a gamble.
Stevens is very well ranked in ROI, career services, and starting and mid-career salary. But, if most graduates end up in the NYC area, the cost of living may negate the higher salary.
I also am trying for financial aid appeals with both Stevens and Northeastern. Stevens has acknowledged my initial email and gave me the steps to appeal which I completed. I haven’t heard back from Northeastern yet.
@fretfulmother she likes Stevens for size, location, focus on engineering, and the perks of the honors program. Can you share why you are not so hot on it?
@palm715 Does she have a preference for campus size?
@RyanG1207 Temple was the largest she applied to by far, but no real preference. The size/reputation of the School of Engineering as it relates to the overall school size/reputation had more bearing.
I feel bad my lamenting is gumming up this thread. I may look a starting a stand-alone thread, but I’m a little afraid of some of the long-time posters beating me with a wet noodle. I must be feeling fragile at the moment because while I was typing an earlier comment, my D on the other side of the room said I looked like I was writing, “the saddest poem ever.” Funny, if it wasn’t so true.
@palm715 - don’t be sad!! It sounds like a great set of decisions to have to make. I do think that outside of the NY/NJ area, Temple or Northeastern has a stronger reputation. I’m also biased in that I dislike NYC compared to Boston or Philadelphia. But maybe she feels differently!!
Smart decision not staying off this thread @palm715 . I’ve experienced the wet noodle and it’s not fun.