https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 21 Apr 2026 09:09:29 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-college-choice-affect-future-job-opportunity/page/2#post-1586278 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 13:00:45 +0000 MrsH 1586278@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Where are both the schools ranked in his major? Does he expect to continue his education past undergrad? Those would be major factors. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-college-choice-affect-future-job-opportunity/page/2#post-1586252 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 12:56:14 +0000 BSB 1586252@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mamaof2: I went to Penn State (didn't go to main campus, though) and my sister went to Drexel. I think we can both argue why our school was better, but in the end, it depends on the program and what internships they can offer. My sister went to a community college and then transferred into Drexel, so she did save some money. She ended up getting into a BS/MS program. I only have my BS. We both did co-ops (internships) so I would say the internships helped us get jobs. My school's name and co-op program did help me get co-ops, but now that I'm at another job on the west coast, PSU really didn't get me the job. It was my hard work that did that. </p> <p>As for PennState's alumni networking, I've heard of it, but haven't had to use it yet. I have had fellow graduates contact me but my advice was to do undergrad research and co-ops to look better on your resume. </p> <p>For me, I chose a smaller Penn State campus so I wouldn't get distracted and I'm so grateful that I did. (I visited main a few times but it was just so big!) My sister went to another university but then transferred closer to home to go to a community college. She then ultimately got in the Drexel program. I think for her she had to find herself. </p> <p>I would start out at Penn State and if he doesn't like the program or the school then he can transfer to Drexel. Better on your pocketbook. Just keep track of Drexel's transfer requirements so he shouldn't have to do much repeating. Usually Gen Eds and basic math and science can transfer. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-college-choice-affect-future-job-opportunity/page/2#post-1586204 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 12:45:23 +0000 ValentineMommy 1586204@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I should have specified in my earlier statement and I agree with what a few others have said - Drexel is known around here for their engineering program (and it's the co-op program that we hire out of). I've never really heard of Drexel being highly regarded in other fields. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-college-choice-affect-future-job-opportunity/page/2#post-1586154 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 12:31:09 +0000 Freckles 1586154@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@honeybear: Oops, sorry about that! I did agree with you either way. :)</p> <p>@Mamaof2: if he is going into actuarial sciences, they are usually mixed with econ and math (interdisciplinary, which may be why you couldn't find it), and PSU has the better ranked economics department. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-college-choice-affect-future-job-opportunity/page/2#post-1586105 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 12:17:59 +0000 Greentea 1586105@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mamaof2: yes! It does matter and I would always go to the best school you can get into. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-college-choice-affect-future-job-opportunity/page/2#post-1585999 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 11:47:50 +0000 ShootingStar 1585999@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it really depends on the field he's going into. And I would strongly urge him to do his research before deciding. In my industry (software development) it doesn't really matter. At least, not enough to justify the extra cost. DH went to a super expensive and excellent college for undergrad (Northeastern) and graduated with $100k in debt. It crippled him financially for years, and we're still feeling the repercussions of it. Meanwhile, we work with tons of people who graduated from various UMass schools. They're not nationally ranked, but they're WAY cheaper. The co-op program at Northeastern was really nice and it did help DH get a job. But really, at the time he graduated he likely would've been employed anyways. And he would've been better off having no school loans and struggling to find a job for a year or two.</p> <p>If you're going to law school or getting an MBA, then yes, it makes a big different where you go. But in most cases, the massive amounts of debt will not be worth it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-college-choice-affect-future-job-opportunity/page/2#post-1585845 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 11:08:42 +0000 Mrs. Pen 1585845@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Okay I have never heard of Drexel and was surprised to hear he thinks that it would afford him more opportunities? I HAVE heard of Penn State and know it's a great, prestigious school and I think if he is willing - it would actually be a better choice if you're only weighing in ranking/prestige/etc.</p> <p>As for the original question: I completely agree that it depends on major and what he'd like to do. I am in nursing school, and where I'm going now isn't the *top school* in the state, but it is a good school nonetheless. I don't think I will have an issue finding a job post-graduation. If I had decided to go to a certain other school in my area that essentially accepts any and all applicants, I know my changes of getting a nursing job would not be as high because that school doesn't have the best reputation - which is apparent through their lack of wait list/high acceptance rate. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-college-choice-affect-future-job-opportunity/page/2#post-1585838 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 11:06:05 +0000 MsLipGloss 1585838@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>YES, your educational pedigree impacts future job opportunities. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-college-choice-affect-future-job-opportunity/page/2#post-1585826 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 11:02:41 +0000 swurlygurl 1585826@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it can help to have a degree from a certain University for some employers, but I wouldn't think it would be necessary. Where I live there are a couple major Universities, and employers have preferences for which program they prefer to hire from, but they do hire from both... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-college-choice-affect-future-job-opportunity#post-1585795 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 10:54:16 +0000 spaniellove 1585795@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mamaof2: DH is a finance guy in the city and when I asked he wasn't familiar with Drexel's actuarial program, if that says anything. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-college-choice-affect-future-job-opportunity#post-1585771 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 10:47:43 +0000 honeybear 1585771@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Freckles: Yes, I acknowledged in my original post that a particular program may be the issue in preferring one school over the other. But if the student doesn't have a rock-solid, completely unwavering plan to study one particular subject, I'd personally advocate for the higher-ranked school, especially since Penn State is enormous, has plenty of well-regarded programs, has a devoted alumni base, and is way cheaper. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-college-choice-affect-future-job-opportunity#post-1585764 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 10:46:48 +0000 Maysprout 1585764@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@OpinionsLikeKittens: ah that makes sense but they still only have a 66% 6 yr grad rate. is there dual degrees or something that would make a large proportion in it for 7 rys or so? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-college-choice-affect-future-job-opportunity#post-1585756 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 10:44:59 +0000 danda 1585756@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Maysprout: the 4 year graduation rate at Drexel is low because of the co-op program. Students spend a lot of time getting real life work experience and graduate in 5 years.</p> <p>I'm an engineer in the Philly region (so not familiar with actuarial sciences) but I would give a slight edge to Penn State for reputation and strength of alumni network. Drexel's main strength is it's coop program which I think helps a lot for new grads to get job offers. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-college-choice-affect-future-job-opportunity#post-1585748 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 10:42:03 +0000 reverie 1585748@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Maysprout: I dont know if that is a fair number since most of Drexel's engineering programs are 5 year do to co-ops. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-college-choice-affect-future-job-opportunity#post-1585740 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 10:38:18 +0000 Mamaof2 1585740@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: good point! I will ask! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-college-choice-affect-future-job-opportunity#post-1585728 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 10:35:54 +0000 Maysprout 1585728@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Here's comparing the 2.<br /> Drexel only had a 25% 4 yr graduation rate. Something worth looking into bc that could get even more expensive paying for extra years.<br /> <a href="http://colleges.findthebest.com/compare/3617-3741/Drexel-University-DU-vs-Pennsylvania-State-University-PSU" rel="nofollow">http://colleges.findthebest.com/compare/3617-3741/Drexel-University-DU-vs-Pennsylvania-State-University-PSU</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-college-choice-affect-future-job-opportunity#post-1585727 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 10:35:54 +0000 looch 1585727@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mamaof2: I would point blank ask who else he knows that is applying there, kids have weird reasons sometimes for the things they consider! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-college-choice-affect-future-job-opportunity#post-1585724 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 10:34:55 +0000 reverie 1585724@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mamaof2: I don't know much about actuarial science but it isn't what drexel is known for. It is an engineering school in my mind. I don't think there is much advantage going there. As someone who has six figure student debt I would weigh that heavily on my decision and hope to guide my child away from it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-college-choice-affect-future-job-opportunity#post-1585719 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 10:33:12 +0000 Mamaof2 1585719@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@OpinionsLikeKittens: Actuarial Science </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-college-choice-affect-future-job-opportunity#post-1585717 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 10:32:16 +0000 reverie 1585717@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What's he going to school for? My husband and all his friends went to Drexel. They are all engineers. The Drexel coop program is very helpful in that field. If he is doing business I would do PSU. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-college-choice-affect-future-job-opportunity#post-1585716 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 10:31:53 +0000 littlebug 1585716@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>NO WAY is Drexel bigger. Drexel has 11K undergrad. PSU has 38K. Drexel is in a bigger city, for sure, so there may be more opportunities for field placements or internships, but I would still, out of the 2, strongly suggest Penn State. And I am kind of anti-Penn State. But you can't argue with the fact that it's a great school and it's alumni network is far-reaching and quite powerful. And especially if Drexel doesn't have his major? I'm confused as to why he would even want to go there! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-college-choice-affect-future-job-opportunity#post-1585715 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 10:31:41 +0000 mrsrain 1585715@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It depends on his field. My husband is a mechanical engineer and it makes a big difference that he went to top schools for his undergrad and graduate degrees. My field in social work, and when I decide to get my masters degree it will not make as big a difference. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-college-choice-affect-future-job-opportunity#post-1585711 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 10:29:33 +0000 Maysprout 1585711@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think he might have a bigger advantage at psu main campus. Penn state loves penn state, they have a very active alumni network. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-college-choice-affect-future-job-opportunity#post-1585710 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 10:29:10 +0000 Bookish 1585710@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>They've done some research, which I will try to find, that showed it made a lot more sense to go to a good, or even second-tier public school than a second-tier private school. Not that Drexel is subpar, but for most people, financially and for their future, the cheaper public college is the better choice. </p> <p>I started off at an expensive, second-tier private school and ended up at a public university. I found that there were many more opportunities at my big public school! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-college-choice-affect-future-job-opportunity#post-1585709 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 10:28:35 +0000 Freckles 1585709@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@honeybear: does it depend on what the major is though? DH's school (grad prog) was ranked lower than a certain ivy league school, but for his program was ranked higher. </p> <p>DSS definitely needs to think about how much debt he'll be in after graduation. It seems like you get better value from PSU (highly regarded public university with great programs, and much cheaper than Drexel). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-college-choice-affect-future-job-opportunity#post-1585706 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 10:27:57 +0000 Cole 1585706@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If he is in engineering I think Drexel might make more sense (if I am even remembering correctly) but otherwise I would go with Penn State. It has a huge alumni base and people have heard of it from all over whereas I think Drexel is mostly just known regionally. The bigger issue though is cost. I really really wish I had less in student loans. My husband and I make great money and still are paying a ton in loans. No one cares where we went to school and he even went to the top school in his field. For him the networking was probably worth it but for me it simply wasn't. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-college-choice-affect-future-job-opportunity#post-1585697 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 10:25:16 +0000 sunny 1585697@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it depends. For instance, I was recruited right out of school from the #1 school in my program. My friend went to a lower ranked school and was on a full scholarship but had to make his way through the general application pool in order to end up at the same company as me. So basically I'm saying it is possible but sometimes much more difficult. </p> <p>I would compare both the overall school rank and the program rank and weight that heavily in my decision. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-college-choice-affect-future-job-opportunity#post-1585686 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 10:20:14 +0000 cheert16 1585686@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>depends on the major.... I went to a state school- and while I got a great education, I think having the resources for networking from a private institution are very useful. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-college-choice-affect-future-job-opportunity#post-1585677 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 10:15:56 +0000 Mamaof2 1585677@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@honeybear: good to know!</p> <p>DSS said cost was important but he also thinks that Drexel is a bigger school and would have more opportunities - I will share that info with him! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/does-college-choice-affect-future-job-opportunity#post-1585671 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 10:14:30 +0000 MrsSCB 1585671@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@honeybear: ditto this. Penn State is ranked higher, is larger (so therefore larger post college network) and cheaper? Seems like the clear choice to me would be Penn State! :-)</p> <p>ETA: I did get a job through networking with someone who went to my university, so I think it can matter. But as I mentioned, penn state has a much larger network. </p>