I'm down to a triple threat to determine where I'm heading next fall. Would appreciate some input!
I've been offered a free ride by Olin, $100K by Mendoza and $95K by KF. Also have offers from Kelley ($60K), Marshall ($50K) and Tepper (nothing), but I've more or less ruled them out as I don't think they offer enough to make up for the extra cost versus my top three.
I have a background in finance and am leaning towards targeting consulting after graduating, though I'm open to exploring other options too. Would definitely want to stay in the US if I can help it.
My own views on the advantages posed by each school:
Kenan-Flagler:- Established top 20 school, probably the best brand out of my top three (I'd say it's neck and neck with CMU overall). I'm not sure it's as well-known outside America as the likes of Cornell, UCLA or NYU, but again, should still be ahead of the rest
- On-campus recruitment seems stronger than either of the other two, especially Mendoza. Having access to the bigger companies would be an advantage as an international student needing an H1B
Olin:- Free ride means I save roughly $30K in tuition compared to KF
- In terms of pure numbers, seems to do a great job in placement: 97% of this year's graduating class employed by September, with plenty of big names on the list of employers
Mendoza:- Again, cheaper tuition and the slight fellowship bump means I'm spending around $20K less than I would at Kenan-Flagler
- I have the option to choose their dual MBA/MSBA option, which has the benefit of an OPT STEM extension that could make life easier in terms of working in America
- Strong alumni network, which may make up in part for the relatively weaker recruiting
I'm leaning towards Kenan-Flagler here. Seems like a higher-caliber school that could afford the kinds of opportunities that would be worth the extra money in the long run. What do you guys think?