ngould wrote:
Ok, I have two questions on this topic.
1. Say I want to get a corporate job (general management, finance, or leadership development program). Is it worth the high tuition costs to go to an elite business school (Harvard, Stanford, Chicago, etc.)? Or would I be better off going to a 25th to 50th ranked program where I could save roughly $80,000 from scholarships?
2. Same question but for 10th-15th ranked schools schools (Duke, Michigan, etc.). Is it worth the money?
If there are varying opinions, I want to hear them.
Thanks
My opinion:
1) I think it's definitely worth it (I think like most other people on this forum, I'm definitely slightly biased as we're all pursuing a top MBA program). It's not just the academics and the name brand of the school (which for business school, it does make a difference, when comparing a top 15 to a top 50-100). The people you meet are a huge part of it as well. So I think if you get into a HSW or even another Top 15, it's definitely worth doing that over a Top 50-100 program, even if you can save lots of money. The only time this gets tricky is if you have a great scholarship at a Top 15-25 vs. a Top 5 school with no money, in my opinion.
But the question also depends on where you are in your career I feel. In my situation, a full-time MBA from a top program makes complete sense, even though I'll need to take on some debt after I graduate.
2) Definitely worth it, just know the subtle differences between each school in the Top 15. When you're deciding where to apply you'll definitely need to do some research and figure out which ones are better for you. All of them will give you the experiences, alumni network, etc. to help you succeed in your career.
24 Oct 2012, 12:42
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