NJIT vs. Fordham—can't decide!

Alright guys, I need some help here. I'm stuck in between choosing NJIT and Fordham. Can anyone shed some light on the academics, campus life, pros and cons of each? Personal experiences would be a bonus. Thanks!

Sure, I'd be happy to help break down the decision for you.

Starting with academics, the strength of certain departments can vary significantly between NJIT and Fordham. NJIT is well known for programs in engineering, computer science, and architecture. Fordham has strong programs within liberal arts, business, and social sciences. Thus, your intended major might heavily influence which school would be a better academic fit for you.

Looking at campus life, Fordham, based in the Bronx, offers a diverse urban campus within New York City, featuring classic architecture and proximity to Manhattan, which gives students access to all kinds of cultural and professional opportunities. NJIT, in Newark, New Jersey, also offers urban campus life, albeit with a more modern campus and with a strong STEM vibe. At this institution, there are a large number of international students and a slightly larger male to female student ratio due to its strong focuses in Engineering and Computer Science.

In terms of pros and cons, NJIT offers a variety of cooperative education opportunities—programs that integrate periods of academic study with periods of professional employment. This can provide some valuable on-the-job experience. Some may view its specialised focus as a con if they prefer more academic diversity.

Fordham, on the other hand, offers a diverse range of programs and a global perspective, due in part to its location in New York City and its Jesuit affiliation. As for cons, it's worth noting that while Fordham's overall ranking is higher, it often has larger class sizes than NJIT depending on your program.

Remember that a college experience is subjective and can vary among students. Listen to both your head and your heart when making this decision. Good luck!