I just completed the final application steps for Michigan and Notre Dame, with Cornell and Northwestern to be completed soon. I would love to hear from everyone their thoughts on which program they think would be the best fit for me.

Here are the basics on each program:

Michigan-Ross EMBA Program
 Program Duration: 20 months
 Program Cost: $135,000
 EMBA Rankings: #6 Poets & Quants, #7 BW, #15 WSJ, #8 US News, #31 FT
 Visiting Campus: x1 per month with two (2) one week residencies.
 Study Time per Week (Avg.): 15-20 hrs.

Notre Dame EMBA Program
 Program Duration: 21 months
 Program Cost: $88,500
 EMBA Rankings: #22 Poets & Quants, #20 BW, #6 WSJ, Not Rated-US News & FT
 Classroom: x1 per month with four (4) one week residencies.
 Study Time per Week (Avg.): 15-20 hrs.

Cornell-Johnson EMBA Program
 Program Duration: 22 months
 Program Cost: $145,380
 EMBA Rankings: #8 P&Q, 2nd Tier BW, #8 WSJ, #20 US News, #24 FT
 Classroom Time: x2 per month (Sat-Sun) with summer off (2 months); four (4) one week residencies.
 Study Time per Week (Avg.): 20 hrs.

Northwestern EMBA Program
 Program Duration: 22 months
 Program Cost: $153,900
 EMBA Rankings: #3 Poets & Quants, #1 BW, #5 WSJ, #2 US News, #20 FT
 Visiting Campus: x2 per month (Fri-Sun) with July off; two (2) one week residencies.
 Study Time per Week (Avg.): 25-30 hrs.

I have visited Michigan and Notre Dame and LOVED everything I saw about the programs. I haven't visited Cornell, but have heard great things about their EMBA Program. Northwestern of course is a top-level program with a world-class reputation.

I am trying to determine which program would have the following for me:

1. Strong reputation nationally if I relocate from the Midwest to the West coast.
2. Jumping board for possible career transition (at least the option if I wanted to)
3. Strong alumni network
4. Schedule that fits best with my life (travel for campus visits, homework per week)

Details about myself - I'm 37 yrs. old, work for a Fortune 500 company, and responsible for leading twenty-three direct reports with P&L responsibility of over $100 million. I work around 60 hours per week, but would cut-back to around 45-50 when school starts. I plan on paying for the program myself, with no corporate support.

Thank you for any and all comments and advice.

Regards,
Tim

discipline,

Thanks for your insight!

I agree that Michigan and ND have the best schedules for working professionals, with campus visits just once a month. I don't think I have the time to visit a campus every other weekend for classes.

Between Ross and Mendoza, who do you feel has the stronger reputation and alumni network? I know Ross is ranked higher with an extensive alumni network, but ND alumni are very loyal and network like crazy. ND also has the "name" with worldwide recognition. It seems very even to me.

Regards,
Tim

discipline,

Very valid points you make. I feel like I can't go wrong with either program. I like the fact that Michigan is a Fri-Sat once a month visit vs. ND which is Thurs-Sat. I also think Michigan has fewer immersion weeks than ND, but this is minor.

There is a significant price difference between the two - $88,500 (ND) vs. $135,000 (Ross). That is a big chunk of change.

One other point, I REALLY love the new EMBA program/format at ND.

When I ask business contacts or friends about both programs, NO ONE can quote MBA rankings or standings for Michigan or Notre Dame. Everyone can agree they are both stellar schools/programs, but ND seems to have a mystique to its name. It does seem like a very strong name nationwide, where some programs are more regional.

BTW, congratulations on your acceptance to Notre Dame! Maybe I will see you this summer.

Regards,
Tim