#RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology) vs NAU (Northern Arizona University)

23 messages · Page 1 of 1 (latest)

tropic solar
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Intended major: Comp sci/game design (could be subject to change tho)
Similarities: They have engineering programs
Costs (not a deciding factor w/loans)
NAU: 38k-40k per year
RIT: ~47k per year.

NAU
NAU Pros:
It's a lot closer to home, only a 7 hour drive. I'm from socal, so one state over isn't that bad and I could easily drive home or fly back for not too much hopefully. I also love Flagstaff a lot more than Rochester. I've done 2 events at NAU and both of the times I've loved the whole surrounding area. The weather and cold feel really manageable. I toured the school in November and April, and both times the weather wasn't too bad compared to the weather here in California. Cost of attendance is a little cheaper on face value. The engineering program also has some good other major options, like an interdisciplinary program and mechatronics/robotics. They have a pretty decent honors program, which would def lean me towards NAU, but I haven't submitted the application yet so I won't know if I get in till after the May 1st deadline. Overall, it feels like a really basic but safe pick.

NAU Cons:
It definitely feels more basic when compared to RIT. Their engineering program is a little less expansive. Their base freshman dorms are also not the best, but that was just one mockup room that we saw. They only have basic comp sci when it comes to programming/coding.

RIT
RIT Pros:
They have a lot more engineering programs compared to NAU, specifically ones that I'd like more. They have a full game design program, and actual film production programs. I originally wanted to do film/cinematography at somewhere like RIT, Chapman, or DePaul, but they strongly recommended or required submitting creative portfolios and I didn't have one. The co-op program is for sure a big plus. Most majors require that you do a co op, and if/when you get one you don’t pay any tuition, so that ROI could potentially be worth it. They’re also like 4th in the nation for co-op/internship programs.

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RIT Cons:
It's on the opposite side of the country, and I'm not totally used to the really cold weather in upstate New York. Flights can range from $200-$500 and I'd be able to bring a lot less, like I probably couldn’t bring my playstation, let alone my monitor. I do have a switch tho so idk how that would work.

Other info/tiebreakers
Both schools are really different, which kind of sucks for picking between the two, but both options feel good. I'm just trying to weigh if the better engineering programs, co-op program, and probably better chance at a job at RIT outweigh the fact that its all the way across the country, has really cold winters, and that the general location is worse imo. It sounds like I’d get a job easier with RIT’s co-op program, but I know people who’ve graduated NAU’s engineering program and got good jobs. NAU is a little bit cheaper, but RIT is right at the edge of our budget and they have the whole co-op no tuition thing. I like RIT more, but theres all of those location-related downsides.
TLDR: "worse" programs and better location NAU (safe pick) vs better programs and worse location RIT (riskier pick)
(sorry its long, tysm)

rugged hinge
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so generally it sounds like RIT has better progams but is in a worse location

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really it depends because to me it seems like you're choosing between spending your next 4 years in a more comfortable location vs having better job prospects and more access to good programs/resources

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to me it seems like RIT is the pick here

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  1. when else would you be able to experience upstate ny? I know it's kinda know for being shitty and depressing but also, college is a big change in itself
  2. it sounds like you really like RIT's programs, but are worried it might be too inconvenient for you. I feel like that's kind of superficial because the programs and what you'll do with them will matter more in the long run
vivid spruce
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It sounds like your true passion is film/media and engineering is more of a second-choice to that. I would choose the school that would fully allow you to explore all your interests which would be RIT.

It will be tough moving stuff there but you could investigate the cost of shipping things. You'll be perfectly fine with a switch though. And you may make friends or find other campus resources where you can play with other consoles.

I would pick where you'd be most fulfilled academically/socially without feeling like you're sacrificing everything. As in if you think that the location will be a barrier for you from fully enjoying/appreciating RIT, then it wouldn't be worth it. Otherwise, I think it's definitely worth getting more access to doing what you love and a community of like-minded individuals.

Also you can do your co-op experiences anywhere in the country so you wouldn't be stuck in upstate new york if you don't want to be

spare oxide
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Those opportunities are rlly why u go to college

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Not to be in a more comfortable location

tropic solar
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cost isnt totally a deciding factor, but im slightly worried abt how the loan thing is going to work

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because i think for either school we would need a loan for one year

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and i think the one that my parents were looking at i have to cosign on it, and idk if thats normal or not

tropic solar
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my friends keep saying that grad school matters more for engineering, so it doesnt matter as much which college i go to, but i have zero idea if im even doing grad school

rugged hinge
tropic solar
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probably not thaaat big of a chance

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i feel like im def leaning towards rit now, thank u guys so much

vivid spruce
# tropic solar my friends keep saying that grad school matters more for engineering, so it does...

...no? Most engineers don't need grad school at all. So I think the opposite is kinda true for ugrad. The thing about engineering curricula is that it's nationally standardized so picking an undergrad moreso comes down to the networking, resources, campus environment, cost, does it have the topics you want to study, etc.

I think RITs program is overall stronger + you'll have more access to your actual interests

tropic solar
vivid spruce
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yeah lol. engineering is a professional degree awarded at the ugrad level as long as it's ABET-accredited