Tulane or Boulder

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Someone above mentioned it, but since other posters have experience with Boulder, what about the drug scene and whether there is a core of motivated kids?

My student is interested for a year from now but our concern is that at least a portion of the population is just there to party. If partying and drugs are more normalized, is it harder to stay out of trouble/danger?

Drugs are at every school and hard drugs are everywhere there is $$$ - I’ve heard stories from kids at Tulane and others (Syracuse) that make my hair stand on end.

[Anonymous]

I know kids at both. For business, I’d choose Tulane. Smaller classes, more internship opportunities and strong Alumni connections. You are also absolutely spot on about the 5th year at CU Boulder. I know several kids doing a 5th year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know kids at both. For business, I’d choose Tulane. Smaller classes, more internship opportunities and strong Alumni connections. You are also absolutely spot on about the 5th year at CU Boulder. I know several kids doing a 5th year.

Fully agree. The facilities at Tulane Freeman are amazing and the new dorms being constructed are also a welcome addition. If your son stays focused at Tulane, it will be an amazing educational experience. And lots of connections, especially if he wants to work on the East Coast afterwards.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Someone above mentioned it, but since other posters have experience with Boulder, what about the drug scene and whether there is a core of motivated kids?

My student is interested for a year from now but our concern is that at least a portion of the population is just there to party. If partying and drugs are more normalized, is it harder to stay out of trouble/danger?

Tulane is often ranked as the number one (#1) party school in the nation.

Go to Colorado to ski; go to Tulane to party.

[Anonymous]

Re 5th year at Boulder - depends on which school, which major, and how many credits (AP/IB/DE) a student has coming in. Look at green Ed requirements for the business school along with the major requirements and you’ll have a good sense of what is possible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Someone above mentioned it, but since other posters have experience with Boulder, what about the drug scene and whether there is a core of motivated kids?

My student is interested for a year from now but our concern is that at least a portion of the population is just there to party. If partying and drugs are more normalized, is it harder to stay out of trouble/danger?

You know that many other states have legalized marijuana now, right?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. We are not in-state for Colorado. The rough prices are $55k for Boulder and $90k for Tulane. One concern I have is the 4 year graduation rate at Boulder which is 58% vs 77% at Tulane, which could mean paying 5 years tuition at Boulder. The other concerns are info we have heard about lots of hard drugs in the dorms and the bottom 50% of students are pretty unmotivated. Of course, Tulane has somewhat of a party reputation too although my sense is that there is a much higher percentage of motivated smart students.

I understand your concern but I don’t think it will apply to you. Boulder is the state University many people attend and commute to campus or get jobs in their later years that result in extending their time at the school. Boulder accepts credits from the UC Denver campus and sone people go back and forth. Plus there is the super senior/ perpetual pot heads AKA trustafarians who never go away. A motivated kid will have no problem graduating in 4 years. Especially with the May-mester and summer school options.

[Anonymous]

The Tulane students are pretty academically focused and definitely study a lot. Yes, many party a lot too. It is a work hard play hard school. They also do a lot of service work at Tulane and there is a two tier service requirement that is added into many classes. I think Boulder is a great school too, but the vibe at Tulane definitely skews more academic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Someone above mentioned it, but since other posters have experience with Boulder, what about the drug scene and whether there is a core of motivated kids?

My student is interested for a year from now but our concern is that at least a portion of the population is just there to party. If partying and drugs are more normalized, is it harder to stay out of trouble/danger?

You would think that as we did and it isn't any worse than any other school in the country. In fact Boulder doesn't smell like weed on every corner like it does in DC. Colorado also has the best programs for people in recovery and the school has a great program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:One question is how your DC feels about the gender imbalance at Tulane.

He has made some good male friends and has a girlfriend, so he is quite happy with the social scene despite the gender imbalance.

[Anonymous]

A single straight NJB at Tulane is absolutely going to bat way above his average on the dating market. In fact, very good chance for him to "marry up" into a prominent family.

Might be worth the extra $140K if you son is aspirational in that way. Tulane will present him with more high-quality marriage options than CO-Boulder, imho.

[Anonymous]

Why pay attention to the graduation rated? Tell your kid you have 4 years, anything more is on you.,

[Anonymous]

Sko Buffs

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A single straight NJB at Tulane is absolutely going to bat way above his average on the dating market. In fact, very good chance for him to "marry up" into a prominent family.

Might be worth the extra $140K if you son is aspirational in that way. Tulane will present him with more high-quality marriage options than CO-Boulder, imho.

NJB = nice Jewish boy. (Had to Google it to understand the above post. Tulane is a predominately Jewish school which may or may not matter to OP. FWIW All of my friends & acquaintances who have attended Tulane were/are Jewish.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It seems to me that the school vibe of each school is completely different. Tulane more intense social and educational vibe. Boulder more laid back with an emphasis on outdoor recreational sports.

This. The two schools could not be more different. OP, you know your kid best. Which community and environ fits your kid best?

As to one being more party than the other, I mean, they are both extremes in their own worlds. Tulane is an intense party school but the Boulder kids are in no way towing the straight and narrow. Also, I don't find Tulane as prestigious as they believe themselves to be. It's a solid school but I wouldn't pay big money for it.

Personally, I'd send my kids to Boulder - even if money was no option. the $140K less is just icing on the cake.