Kellogg vs McCombs($$) - International applicant: Which B-sc

I turned down a full scholarship at McCombs to attend Kellogg (where I am now). I wouldn't hesitate to do the same thing again. I was also looking into tech and was able to intern with a well known tech company and secured interviews with multiple FAANG companies throughout the recruiting process. I don't think that would have happened if I had gone to McCombs for the exact reasons you specify.

In addition to recruiting, you also should take into account the classroom experience. The work experiences of my classmates are just incredibly impressive (still don't know how I got in lol) and that is really important to your learning. In addition the professors at Kellogg are often experts in their fields especially in the marketing department. My strategy professor wrote a strategy case on Starbucks and then went and taught that case to Howard Schultz and his senior leadership team. The ex CMO of United and Hyatt are on our faculty and teach classes in customer loyalty. The founder of blue nile is on our faculty and teaches an entrepreneurship class. The opportunities you have to learn here are endless.

That said, I also am not an international student so I was not in the same position that you are in. I would imagine though that it would be harder to find sponsorship from McCombs vs Kellogg, but on the other hand it will cost you less to go to McCombs, so I understand the dilemma. I would encourage you to think long term though, instead of thinking about the first job out of school, think about which one will give you the best long term opportunities. With your software dev background and the recruiting opportunities at Kellogg you should have a very good shot at pm with FAANG. Although Mccombs and Kellogg may have similar average starting salaries, remember that is just for your first job, so also consider which will give you more value 5 years, 10 years, 15 years out. It also depends on how risk averse you are. If you are more risk averse and you value the security of knowing that you will be able to pay off your loan, then take the money, if you have a bit of risk tolerance, I would pick Kellogg because I believe (and I'm biased given my own decision) that the long term ROI will be better.