You often say you want to study abroad
but don't know whether to go to the East or West Coast of the U.S.
You see your peers applying to U.S. graduate programs thriving
and you feel envious
but don't know how to make a quick decision
Studying in the U.S.
Northeast or West Coast?
This question involves a crucial part of the study-abroad application process
School selection
Judging whether a school is good or not
has no absolute answer.
The key is whether the school fits your needs.
Needs vary from person to person and are diverse.
You can consider the following key dimensions:
1. Majors and Employment
The East Coast, as the landing site of European settlers in North America, carries an educational culture infused with European nobility. As a result, prestigious schools in the East (liberal arts colleges) follow European aristocratic education traditions and emphasize elite education. In contrast, the American West, as a modern frontier, sees schools continuing the spirit of pioneering freedom, focusing on practical training for students.
Teaching Quality and Resources
The U.S. Northeast is home to Ivy League schools like Princeton and Harvard.
The West has Stanford and the University of California system's ten campuses.
The teaching quality and resources are beyond doubt.
Employment Goals
Looking at it through the lens of major cities:
The Northeast is a bustling commercial and industrial region exemplified by the global metropolis of New York, with high urbanization and distinct cultural diversity.
Meanwhile, in Washington D.C., you'll have opportunities to engage with numerous government agencies and non-profit organizations, making it fertile ground for students in media, public relations, and public policy. Thus, humanities and business disciplines are relatively well-developed.
The West, represented by Seattle and California, is a thriving region for computer, electronics, and manufacturing industries—home to Microsoft, Boeing, and Silicon Valley—offering STEM students a distinct advantage.
With Los Angeles and Hollywood as a film industry hub, renowned California schools like USC are dream schools for students in the arts and drama.
2. Study-Abroad Costs
Schools in the Northeast are predominantly private: Columbia and Boston College, for example, now charge over $55,000 per year in tuition.
Most West Coast schools are public; UC Berkeley and others still keep annual tuition below $50,000.
3. Regional Culture and Aspirations
In the East, with many private universities, extensive alumni networks span various industries, giving graduates a networking edge when job hunting or seeking internships. As a result, they tend to maintain close ties with their alma maters even after graduation.
In contrast, students from Midwestern and Western universities are relatively less connected to their schools after graduation, as these institutions emphasize practical skills, and the spirit of pioneering freedom fosters greater independence among students.
East Coast: Live to work
West Coast: Work to live
San Francisco: Startups; Large Tech
New York: Finance; Restaurants
San Francisco: Dive Bars
New York: Cocktail Lounges
