UDayton VS NJIT VS UCSC for electrical engineering

College Search & Lists
1

Hey, I have been been admitted at multiple universities for electrical engineering for fall 2016 session.
Though I have not been able to make a decision about where to go as im torn apart between some schools.
Im a guy who wants to study electrical engineering, with a lot of research opportunities and a solid education. I want a school that works very closely with students and provides a lot of hands on study rather than theoretical. but i equally want a social college with a bunch of parties and should be in proximity with a good happening and known city… Also i am an international student if that helps and will be staying on campus all 4 years. I prefer the summer but still like the chilly weather once in a while.

my stats are:
1640 SAT
22 ACT
33 IB points
decent - good ECs
good essays

I am really confused between Dayton, NJIT and UCSC.

some things i like about dayton:

  • i like the party scene
  • from whatever videos i have seen, it has felt like i can imagine myself there
  • looks like a pretty good yet chill school
  • its given me a scholarship of $10500/year
    what im not sure of about dayton:
  • job opportunities, though i always have the option to join my family business, i want to work on my own for some time
  • location, though i like the concept of the “hood” i have also read the campus is much safe
  • ive heard the food and dorms are really good

some things i like about UCSC:

  • location, close to san fran; supposedly should give enough job opportunities in the valley
  • by the ocean
  • seems like a solid engineering school
  • its a UC
    things im not sure of about ucsc:
  • party scene, im not much into the 420 scene
  • its a massive school
  • research opportunities
  • its in a forest, i like the concrete jungle more

some things i like about NJIT (got admitted to the engineering science program):

  • location, close to NY
  • seems like a solid engg school
  • its a more concrete jungle
    some things im not sure about njit:
  • NJ doesnt seem all that much happening
  • party scene, i dont think there is much of parties

other schools i have gotten into but not considering are:
florida institute of tech - $12000/yr scholarship
bradley uni - $7000/yr scholarship
uni of hartford - $9000/yr scholarship
purdue calumet
purdue north central
purdue fort wayne

any opinions would really help me out! thanks!

2

What are the net prices for the schools, and how much can you and your parents realistically afford?

3

Honestly, im from a well to do family so according to my parents, the cost isnt that big a deal, but UCSC is estimated to be around 58-61k this year including all expenses and everything, dayton seems to be around 53k minus the scholarship and NJIT seems to be 48-52k… but honestly finance would be the last criteria i would consider…

4

NJIT is easily the weakest academic option.

5

@LBad96 how come? In what manner?

6

@ucbalumnus Honestly, im from a well to do family so according to my parents, the cost isnt that big a deal, but UCSC is estimated to be around 58-61k this year including all expenses and everything, dayton seems to be around 53k minus the scholarship and NJIT seems to be 48-52k… but honestly finance would be the last criteria i would consider…

7

It’s the weakest overall. Average academics coupled with a deplorable social life. Dayton, and especially Santa Cruz, are much better options.

8

@LBad96 hmm alright thanks for letting me know!

9

U Dayton or ucsc are your best options.
If money is no concern, I’d go with ucsc.
If nice campus/dorms/food matter more , then Dayton.
But ucsc 's campus is very nice too, and you’re near the coast.

10

Dayton is the best
UCSC & NJIT are similarly ranked. USCS has an arguably better area though, with beaches, suburbs and is much safer than newark.

USCS- SoCal life. Beach Town, very nice.

NJIT- Newark is city life with trains close to areas like NYC,Hoboken,Jersey City, & Montclair, but anywhere in Newark outside of University Heights(where NJIT,RU-N,& UMDNJ are),Penn Station,NJPAC/Prudential Area, & Ironbound are very dangerous.

NJIT is diverse racially but is 80% male, which is a downside.
NJIT has VERY close interaction with Rutgers Newark & UMDNJ, even having joint programs.