Kellogg or Duke??

Question

I'm trying to decide whether to do my MBA at Kellogg or Duke. Duke has offered me a 67% scholarship, which is a huge deal, especially given the fact that I want to work in marketing and salaries are not as high as in other industries like consultancy or ibanking. In addition, I'm not American, so I may not be able to stay and work in the States to re-pay my loan. Nevertheless, Kellogg is the best for marketing... I have a huge dilemma, and would love to know what you guys recommend!! Thanks!

Accepted.com · Answer

The first thing you should do, if you haven't already, is go to Kellogg and explain to them that you got this 67% scholarship at Duke, and while you prefer Kellogg, that's a lot of money to walk away from. Could they match?

Have you tried? If not, try that and then ask this question here. Maybe they won't match, but they'll come up with something that will make it a little easier to go to Kellogg.

Best,
Linda

machichi · Answer

Kellogg gives some merit based aid. Have you already completed your FAFSA and their particular paperwork? They have a pretty quick turn around. It is unlikely they will negotiate with you, but you might be surprised with how much they offer in the first place.

Sure, Kellogg is the best for marketing but is it the best for you? Have you met other students? It sounds like money is the only factor for you right now, so if money's the tie-breaker, you already have your answer: Duke is a great school!

mba15f · Answer

Thank you both! I did talk to Kellogg about the scholarship at Duke but they haven't offered a scholarship. I also filled out the financial aid info,but can't apply to federal aid since I'm not American.
I'm just worried about making the wrong decision by focusing solely on the tuition. Basically, I don't know whether or not to miss out on the Kellogg brand, alumni network, and ranking.

Posted from my mobile device

Accepted.com · Answer

I think you need to look at both programs and see if they help you achieve your goals for b-school. You're talking about approximately $70,000 in additional debt if you go to Kellogg. That's not peanuts. You need to attempt to see if that brand and experience is worth that premium. Realize that Duke is also very strong in marketing. What do you intend to do after your MBA? Do the companies you would like to work for hire Duke MBAs for the positions you would like to have? Is the Duke curriculum and co-curriuclar menu appealing to you? Does it serve your needs? If it does, I would go to Duke. If it doesn't, then you should go to Kellogg. Please see https://blog.accepted.com/2012/05/22/mba ... ip-school/ .

AbhiJ · Answer

70k in a lot of money. However if you can manage the costs head to Kellogg. McKinsey recruited 55 people from Kellogg. This fact alone should tell you how well regarded the brand of Kellogg is.

asimov · Answer

I'm obviously a bit bias, although I tried to provide unbiased opinions. In this case, I would pick Fuqua over Kellogg. Kellogg and Fuqua have very similar culture. For marketing, many would argue these are the #1 and #2 schools. As far as marketing opportunities, I don't think you would be missing out on much. Marketing, unlike consulting and banking, do not focus as much on school brand. As you noted, marketing salary on the lower end of the post-MBA salary band, so the money will take you a long way.

Kellogg or Duke??

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