Syracuse vs University of Delaware

MSMDAD
Sat, 22 Mar 2008 23:21:10 +0000

KM, I was about to send you a PM but you do not have the PM capability turned on.

Full disclosure: Like JudyRN203, I am a Syracuse alum. Although it has been many years since I graduated, I have returned to SU many times and my best friend’s (ex-roomie) son recently graduated from SU with a degree in EE.

In any case, what I was going to tell you is that SU is much more well known than UDel, and it has a larger alumni network. SU is particularly well known for programs in journalism and public administration. Other programs, especially music/arts and the Study Abroad Program, are also highly regarded. Having lived in far off places (far from SU that is), I want to tell you that you cannot underestimate the importance of an alumni network and name recognition when looking for employment/internships/establishing oneself in a new area.

In regards to the rich kid party school label, I am not sure if this reputation is well deserved. Are there rich kids? Yes! Are there parties? Yes! However, as noted above by rodney, a preponderance of SU students receive financial aid. Additionally, SU is a very diverse school - lots of URMs, and students from all over the States and other countries. As with any other college, partying, or lack thereof, depends on the individual student.

Lastly, SU usually has generous merit aid. I say usually because when my DD applied last year, I did not find the merit aid package to be exceptionally generous (compared to the other schools that she was accepted to). I suspect, however, that if your DD qualified for a scholarship at UDel, she has also qualified for one at SU.

Best of luck to you and your DD. Let us know what you guys decide to do.