Drexel vs Rutgers: Need Help Deciding

Hi there, I'm considering applying to both Drexel and Rutgers, but I'm having trouble differentiating them. Can anyone tell me about the differences in campus life and the strengths of their engineering programs? Thanks!

Hi! Both Drexel and Rutgers are great options, but indeed, they do have some differences when it comes to campus life and engineering programs.

Campus Life:

Drexel is located in the University City neighborhood of Philadelphia, which offers a bustling urban environment with plenty of restaurants, museums, and cultural attractions within walking distance. Drexel has a unique 10-week term system known as "quarters," which means you'll have more classes but shorter terms compared to a traditional semester system. Drexel is also well-known for its cooperative education program (co-op), which allows students to alternate between periods of classroom study and full-time professional employment.

Rutgers is situated in New Brunswick, New Jersey, which is a smaller city compared to Philadelphia, but still offers a lively atmosphere with numerous off-campus restaurants and entertainment venues. Rutgers operates on a semester system and has a more traditional campus environment spread out across multiple campuses, with buses connecting them. The Big Ten Conference affiliation creates a school spirit aspect, with opportunities to attend sporting events and participate in various school traditions.

Engineering Programs:

Drexel's College of Engineering is respected for its practical and hands-on approach to education, with an emphasis on experiential learning and co-op opportunities. The co-op program allows students to gain up to 18 months of paid work experience throughout their undergraduate studies, which can be advantageous when entering the job market. Drexel offers engineering degrees in areas like Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Chemical Engineering, among others.

Rutgers' School of Engineering is well-regarded for its solid curriculum, research, and faculty. Their engineering programs include Biomedical, Civil, Environmental, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering, to name a few. Research opportunities are available for undergraduate students, and the institution has strong connections with industry partners that result in internship and job placement opportunities.

Both Drexel and Rutgers have their merits when it comes to engineering programs and campus life. Ultimately, your choice might depend on factors like your preference for an urban or more campus-centric environment, costs, and whether you're interested in the co-op program. If possible, visiting both campuses and speaking with current engineering students could provide you with more insights into which school may be a better fit for you. Good luck!