UMD - 40k
NEU - 48k
Thoughts?
Northeastern has a coop program that is amazing. To me that is a big differentiator
UMD has optional engineering co-op: https://eng.umd.edu/careers/students/internships
Where does the 8K difference per year come from if you choose Northeastern? How do you feel about fit differences and environment between the two? Have you visited both schools?
Can your family afford UMD at 40k, or do you need to look for someplace less expensive?
Could come from the coop. According to NEU students spend 6 month slots (up to 18 mos) in their coop jobs. http://www.coe.neu.edu/co-op-experiential-learning/co-op-advantage
MechE Coop students are hired at salaries similar to entry level engineers (only fair,since that is the work they are doing). Glassdoor reports the salary as 50K or so a year https://www.glassdoor.com/Salary/Northeastern-University-Mechanical-Engineering-Coop-Salaries-E23363_D_KO24,51.htm
@mikemac Potential coop earnings are not factored into financial aid.