#Colorado College vs Union College

5 messages · Page 1 of 1 (latest)

random leaf
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Schools: Colorado College/ Union College
Intended major: Environmental engineering at Union, or environmental science at CC (with possibility of double majoring/minoring in physics and pursuing 3-2/4-2 engineering)
Similarities: Small liberal arts schools, undergrad and teaching focused, received good financial aid, slightly nontraditional scheduling system
Costs: CC offered me a full ride. Union provided me with a good offer that is about the maximum I can manage to comfortably cover while working through summers

CC
Pros:

  • Block plan (one class at a time, one month a class) would fit my style of learning well
  • I like the routine of the block plan (9-12 class every day) that would help me adjust to college and also means all students operate on the same schedule
  • Amazing weather, amazing setting, lots of outdoors things to do
  • Monthly 4.5 day breaks would be valuable for random projects and activities
  • Closer to home, easier logistics
  • A ton of money to throw around for grants etc. A TON of study abroad opportuntiies, with extensive financial aid
  • The culture seems to be really driven + enthusiastic about learning
  • Full ride

Cons:

  • No engineering major
  • STEM culture seems very small. Not containing significant engineering/robotics clubs or anything. STEM facilities also small
  • Heavy wealth culture
  • Dining isn't great
  • No housing senior year

Union
Pros:

  • Great engineering facilities, machine shop, etc for the size of the school
  • Better career outcomes, especially in STEM
  • Location just outside Albany affords short distance to NYC and Boston to build connections, access summer opportunities, etc
  • Currently investing a lot in engineering, especially civil/environmental
  • Dining seems a lot better, especially for my dietary restrictions
  • Beautiful campus and surrounding area

Cons:

  • Weather during winter is not what I'm used to
  • Long distance from home
  • Environmental science sis not quite as established there
sudden gorge
#

so it seems like you're deciding between what would provide you with a better college experience and fit your learning style the most with the one that would be better career-wise and for your intended major, but doesn't have as many amenities

random leaf
sullen flame
#

If the engineering experience/education it's important to you, and you want to get hired in an engineering specific role, then you kinda gotta go for the engineering option.

If you don't care about engineering that much or are open to pursuing it as a masters degree (most likely full pay) or phd (free), then colorado college would be fine.

You should check to see if the the financial aid for Colorado College carries over to the 3-2 /4-2 program. If so, or if the partner schools are ones with great financial aid opportunities, then doing that should be fine and you'll use your time at colorado college to get a stronger theoretical basis

random leaf