Tufts vs. Northeastern

citylights11
Sun, 08 Apr 2018 21:40:34 +0000

Hi everyone, I recently got into both Tufts and Northeastern and I’m having trouble deciding between the two. My intended major is CS, but I’m also very interested in the humanities (especially english and international relations). My main issue is that Northeastern is more affordable, but I feel like Tufts is a better fit personally for me. I’m not planning on going to grad school after undergrad, but things could change. Here are my general thoughts about each school:

Northeastern:

Still expensive, but much cheaper, and I wouldn’t have to take out any loans. Definitely its biggest pro for me.

Co-op: I don’t hate it, but I don’t love it either. I get that it can be very helpful for securing a job right after graduation, but it feels like the only people I would get to interact with are other CS majors (I have a friend who is a first year there right now who recently told me this) and a less tight-knit community than Tufts.

i visited it both before and after I was admitted, and while I like it enough, I don’t love it.

Study abroad, which I 100% want to do, seems more accessible here.

Tufts:

More expensive, I would have to take out loans. Not sure how much yet, probably around 6-10k. My financial situation will definitely change by my junior year of college though b/c one of my parents will be retiring, so it’s likely that my aid will increase significantly by then and I will not have to take loans. Will definitely appeal for more aid though.

Smaller than NU, which I prefer. It also seems like it has a closer community/easier to find friends which is something I’m worried about since I’m pretty introverted.

Big fan of the liberal arts emphasis, as opposed to the preprofessional vibe at NU. Also better for humanities.

I’ve heard mixed things about the CS department - I know one of their top professors actually went to NU, and while i hear they have some really good professors, they seem to be less well-known for CS then NU.

Visited last summer, and it was by far one of my favorite tours and I could definitely see myself as a student there. Will visit for Jumbo Days soon to learn more.

Would really appreciate any input on this decision.