Tuck vs. Darden ($$$)

Super tough call that might ultimately depend on your financial situation and perception of career services at each program. When I read Boston I automatically thought "duh, Tuck" but the ability to say you got a full ride from Darden could be strong enough to offset the difference in school rep during interviews - at the same time, it'll never offset the alumni network/experience/career services/clout. My understanding is that while Darden places well into consulting, Tuck's consulting placement is the envy of several other schools.

If it were me (and it would be nice to have your dilemma in March!) my thought process would go:
- Are funds literally a "non-issue"? Are they really tight? (Tuck for the former, Darden for the latter)
- Am I willing to potentially forgo a Boston placement (much easier for Tuck vis a vis Darden) to save the $ on tuition? Having connections in Boston will help your situation coming from both, but without them and wanting to end up in Boston, you're much better served going to Tuck unless the balance book concern weighs heavily.
- Does saying "Hey, I'm so great they ate my tuition fees" carry as much weight in an interview as you want? (I can't comment here)
- What did I think of each school upon visiting/chatting with students & alumni.

Congrats on the admits - while it's a big decision, you're gold either way you go.

This is a tough one because that is potentially a lot of money to turn down. I can't really offer any impartial advice as I am at current Tuckie and obviously I am rooting for you to come to Hanover. Just let me know if you have any questions about Tuck and recruiting here.

I voted Darden, mostly because I would prefer the $ up front. Another way to think about it, consider the market downturns in '01, '08-'09, etc. Few people saw those coming. I would personally rather not have any loans due juuuust in the off chance it may take a bit longer to recruit than expected. Plus, you can always say you went on a full tuition scholarship!

If you ever decide to change course to - say - a health tech start-up. That full-ride will give you a lot of freedom to do so.

You have a great dilemma! I think that you can't go wrong with any of the two schools you mentioned. I believe that other folks have already said a lot that I don't want to repeat, but do want to add one new insight.

Tuck indeed has a very loyal alumni network, however, Darden's network is no slouch. Also, in terms of location, there is no guarantee that you will end up in Boston just because you went to Tuck. I spoke to a Wharton alumni, who is a VP in my company, when I was applying there and I was told by him very candidly that no one absolutely cares which school you graduated from once you have few years of work experience under your belt and people will focus more on your work experience.

The think this is what you need to think about: Is Tuck's alumni network + 'ivy league aura' > Darden alumni network + $120K
I have left off Boston as a location since I truly believe that you can end up in Boston through any of these schools if you kill you interview and network well.

The only thing I would add to your comment is that the alumni network is potentially very important for your 2nd job out of the MBA. Tuck has such a high concentration of alums in Boston that it would make it a lot easier to network and find opportunities if you move on from your first role.