TCNJ vs UMD

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As a transfer student, which may be better: TCNJ or UMD? TCNJ I will be a double major in psych and slp studies and umd would be just be a hearing and speech sciences major. A few main questions:

How do the academics differ? Are they on the same level of difficulty?

Is TCNJ really a suitcase school?

Is Maryland better for sciences (pre physical assistant requirements)

Main question: do graduate schools care where you went to undergrad?

UMD would be full out of state tuition and 3.5 hours, tcnj in state tuition and 20 mins. Looking to join Greek life and clubs. I am going to graduate school and am worried if they care where you went for undergrad (unsure of PA or slp school, undecided) Thanks!

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Save your money for grad school. TCNJ is a fine school.

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My son is a TCNJ graduate, we live in NJ, he came home for orthodontist appointments and holidays. If you are planning on Greek life socially you will be fine. My son loved his time there (and has a well paying job).

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Such different schools. Both close enough to visit. One a large flagship, one a midsize.

Does the choice of major at each make your long term goals easier than the other?

I agree - if you have a tight budget or need for grad school it’s an easy choice.

If budget is no concern, pick the one you like best.

Where you go won’t matter for grad school. You may have to make up some shortfalls curriculum wise although it appears your major is roughly the same at both.

So affordability (if it matters, then comfort).

But one will not stand tall vs the other grad school wise.

Good luck.

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Will you be applying to graduate programs in speech language pathology or audiology?

Either program can get you there. I would save the money for grad school.

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Either Physican Assitant School or Speech Language Pathology.

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Save the money for grad school.

TCNJ will not hold you back at all.

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By fine, just ok, or good?

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Thank you! I think the main fear with TCNJ is the social aspect, but a lot cheaper.

I just fear graduate admissions are bias.

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TCNJ will not hold you back in any way for grad school admissions. Focus on affordability (taking grad school into account) and fit.

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This is what I meant as well. You will be well prepared for your grad school applications from either of these college. TCNJ will save you a ton of money that can then be used for grad school. That’s what matters.

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Totally off base comparison but both Harvard and Penn Law enrolled students from TCNJ.

The school will not hold you back.

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\Thank you!

I think my decison at this point is clear, just worried about social life

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Well @Mjkacmom son had a great experience.

Large school doesn’t mean better. Sometimes kids get lost in the crowd and really struggle. Other times it can be great. Same with mid size.

Hopefully no matter where you go, you’ll find your people. One never knows when they walk on campus - big or small - but i think your opportunities are equal in regards to finding your people socially.

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Have you been accepted to both TCNJ and UMD?

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You stated that TCNJ is 20 minutes away- did you have a chance to visit, talk to students etc?

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yes

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Yes, multiple times. It was harder to connect with students there, so its a bit more unfamilair. I dont doubt that I will make friends thought when I get there, but its the lack of insight now. I just know a lot more people at maryland that I am close with.

I made the decision this morning to go to TCNJ. It’s a 120k difference in student loans, and I like the smaller classroom enviorments and closness with teachers. I think it’s just that normal “missing out” feeling that is present a lot in my generation, but 120k is literally more than some grad schools. I’ll be ok:)

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You made the right decision. FYI- grad school may cost more than $120,000. It depends on where you go.

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Yes, I think I meant to say it could go towards grad school. Thanks for your insight!

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