Rutgers vs. UD vs. NYU vs. Syracuse

College Questions

Rutgers (in-state): $40K psychology

UD: $48K, accepted for fashion design, ($3K merit+ $10K grant)

NYU: $94K, accepted for liberal studies core + spring semester start

Syracuse: $65K ($25K merit) psychology

Hi, I am struggling to decide between my options. I know NYU is extremely unrealistic, and Syracuse is also unrealistic due to cost, but I visited Syracuse and really liked it, and NYU is NYU. I plan on becoming a psychologist and getting at least a masters, most likely a doctorate. My parents are paying for Rutgers/UD, I would have to take on loans for NYU and most likely for Syracuse as well. I'm visiting UD this Saturday, my mom really wants me to go there and my cousin is on the alumni board (nepotism?). I want somewhere that I can have a lot of fun at but also make strong connections and thrive academically. I would love to minor/double major in fashion design, which is possible at UD and Syracuse. I just feel lost and am struggling to decide. I really hated the Rutgers campus when I toured last year, and felt like it was too car-dependent (I would have a car) and depressing. I went to the Rut vs Penn state football game and thought it was fun, but is that the best thing Rutgers has to offer in terms of experiences? I don't know much about UD but I know Rutgers is ranked better and has better post-grad prospects (from what I've seen). I like that UD is smaller than Rutgers and I've heard that the party scene is good. If anyone else has experiences at any of these schools please let me know :(

Posted Apr 6, 2026, 12:56 AM UTC

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