Canadian MBA program - Alberta vs Mcmaster vs Victoria

Question

Dear all,
Any experience, comparion and recommendation among three Canadian MBA programs in U of Alberta, Mcmaster and U of Victoria are appreciated. 
I will kick off with some raw information (based on information from many sources):

MBA program: Campus, Ranking in Canada, International Tuition, Average Gmat, Duration
+ Alberta: Edmonton - Calgary, Top 8, >50.000 USD/program, 630, > 16 months 
+ Mcmaster: Burlington - Ontario, Top 15, >65.000 USD/program, >620, > 16 months 
+ Victoria: Victoria - Vancouver Island - BC, Top 16, >35.000 USD/program, >600, > 16 months

I'm wondering which school worth studying most in term of:
- ROI (return on investment)? Job placement after graduation?
- Studying experience?
- Living and working condition?

Assumption: the international applicant is seeking a MBA program to secure a job after graduation. Besides, good living and working conditions are considered.
Please give your opinion.

Thanks so much!

cybersiju · Answer

I'm a current MBA student at the UoA and I can tell you that this program is much superior and has higher ROI than either Victoria or Mcmaster. This years FT rankings look better too with Alberta placing at 85th position.

haihai89 · Answer

Dear Cybersiju,
Thank you so much friend. Can you share some superiorities specifically? High ranking of UoA secures me but I have no idea what will happen to me during and after graduation with the curriculum and job market there? I intend to join a MBA course in 2015 fall.
Your reply is highly appreciated!
Hai

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cybersiju · Answer

To be frank, nobody can predict what will happen after graduation especially now since oil prices have dropped which will have some impact on the market here, since Alberta is Oil & Gas driven. I had spoken to friends in Mcmaster last year after I got an admit from there and definitely Alberta comes on top by a huge margin. Schulich has got the rankings but students dont have such a high opinion. Victoria is not even mentioned anywhere and employers dont know of this university. The B school ranking in Canada would be Rotman, Schulich, Ivey, Sauder, Alberta, Queens, Degroote, Calgary and etc

Alberta comes on top for high ROI due to lower fee and job placements. One thing to consider is the weather here with almost 6+ months of snow. If that's not an issue, Alberta would be a good choice.

Good luck!

Alberta comes on top for high ROI due to lower fee and job placements. One thing to consider is the weather here with almost 6+ months of snow. If that's not an issue, Alberta would be a good choice.

Good luck!

haihai89 · Answer

Dear Cybersiju,
It is because of snow in Alberta which makes me hesitate choosing this place. 
U of Victoria belongs to tier 3, which means that it has a strong influence in region, Vancouver Island, namely. 
Your list of tier 1 and 2 is absolutely true. But if I choose to study and apply for job on Vancouver Island, I suppose employers on this island will know about Victoria, won't they? What makes me love studying here are nice weather and cheaper tuition fee. And if I am recruited for a job in some tourism companies here, there will be nothing to complain. Again, I am just so worried and wonder whether all of my perspectives can become true or not. I don't know much about job market in Victoria, Vancouver Island! ! ?? Thank you a lot for all of your sharings, Cybersiju!!

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haihai89 · Answer

Can anyone shed more light on this thread and share your knowledge of MBA course in universities above, especially in the U of Victoria?
Thank you so much!!

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Canadian MBA program - Alberta vs Mcmaster vs Victoria

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