Dear Babs,
I’m starting in January on my Associates Degree at a community college and then looking to transfer to a 4-year college for my Bachelor’s, and then possibly my Masters in Food Science! As I am 37 years old, I’m excited and nervous to be going back to college after 19 years! I’m looking ahead to the 4-year college and I have been comparing two but I’m trying to look at the Food Science Program itself, not the basic college info such as tuition, campus life, etc. The two institutions that I’m comparing are Delaware Valley College and Drexel University. I am aware of Drexel’s status among universities but I’m not sure it’s the right choice for me. Could you help me compare colleges by college program?
-Not Quite Finding My Answer
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Dear Not Quite,
Congrats on going back to college after so long! It sounds like you have a real plan, which is important, especially when starting your education later in life. As a closet foodie myself, looking into these two college programs was pretty fascinating.
They honestly both look like great college programs. The main differences that I can see is that Drexel combines the disciplines of management, science and technology, and culinary arts into their culinary science program, whereas DelVal asks that you choose a stream. If you know that you are most interested in the technical/scientific production of food, as opposed to the business of it or the creation of it, then perhaps DelVal is a better bet. If, on the other hand, you are looking for all three aspects, Drexel might be a better choice.
I don’t think either school has a one-up in terms of reputation. They are both very good for those college programs. DelVal does site an impressive 95% of its students go onto a masters right away, and the school has its own MBA in Food and Agribusiness to facilitate this. Drexel, on the other hand, offers impressive internship with food-giants like Hershey’s and Campbell’s. DelVal does look like they also offer internships, but they do not go into detail with whom. You did not mention why you don’t like Drexel. If you were looking for a more focused major, and are sure about grad school, then maybe DelVal is right for you.
As an older student, my advice is to try and minimize costs and maximize your potential for immediate employment following graduation. As far as costs are concerned, DelVal is slightly cheaper. Apply to both, and see what sort of financial aid you are offered. Beyond minimizing your debt leaving college, make sure that you take advantage of as many internship and career opportunities as you can while you are an undergrad in order to better your chances of landing your dream-job when you graduate! Both Drexel and DelVal look like great college programs. Compare colleges in terms of these two criteria, and see which ones stand out.
Good Luck!
-Babs
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