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WUSTL MS Finance or Rutgers MQF

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Naveen7
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Masters in Finance or Masters in Quant Finance 20 Apr 2025, 08:01
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Hi Guys,

I'm an international student. I got admitted to Washington University St. Louis (WUSTL) for MS Finance with a scholarship of $45K, and the tuition fee is originally $ 100 K. I have also been admitted to Rutgers for a Master's in Quant Finance. The Tuition fee is $ 75k. I didn't receive a scholarship from Rutgers. WUSTL MSF is considered one of the top 15 MSF programs in the US. On the other hand, Rutgers MQF comes under the top 15 MQF programs in the US. I'm confused about what to choose between these programs. What would be the placement after graduation and the ROI after graduating from these programs? What would be the best Program to get a good job after graduation, so that I need to pay the student debt. Please give your insights on career outcomes and how would be the career trajectory would be after graduating from these programs.
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NextstopISB
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Masters in Finance or Masters in Quant Finance 20 Apr 2025, 08:40
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Congratulations on both admits and the generous scholarship from WUSTL! Choosing between WUSTL MSF and Rutgers MQF comes down to your career goals. WUSTL's MSF, with a $45K scholarship (bringing tuition down to $55K), offers strong ROI and is great for roles in corporate finance, investment banking, and asset management, with solid career support and lower living costs in St. Louis. On the other hand, Rutgers MQF, though more expensive at $75K with no scholarship, is highly regarded for quant roles and benefits from its NYC proximity, which is valuable for placements in risk management, quantitative analysis, and trading. If you're more inclined toward traditional finance roles with better ROI and manageable debt, WUSTL may be the better pick; if you're set on quant-heavy roles and can handle the competitive NYC job market, Rutgers could be worth it.
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Gmat750aspirant
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Masters in Finance or Masters in Quant Finance 20 Apr 2025, 08:47
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WUSTL's MSF would have good return of investment with scholarship
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smithgmat123
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Masters in Finance or Masters in Quant Finance 20 Apr 2025, 08:49
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Choosing between Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL) and Rutgers for your master's program is a significant decision, especially considering the financial implications and career outcomes. Here are some insights to help you evaluate both options:

### Financial Considerations

1. **Cost and Scholarship:**
- **WUSTL:** The original tuition is $100,000, but with a $45,000 scholarship, your net tuition cost is $55,000.
- **Rutgers:** The tuition is $75,000 with no scholarship, making it more expensive than WUSTL after considering the scholarship.

2. **Return on Investment (ROI):**
- **WUSTL:** With a lower net tuition cost, the ROI might be higher, especially if the job placement rates and starting salaries are comparable to or better than Rutgers.
- **Rutgers:** The higher tuition cost means you'll need a higher starting salary to achieve a similar ROI.

### Program Reputation and Ranking

1. **WUSTL MS Finance:**
- Ranked among the top 15 MS Finance programs in the US.
- Strong reputation and potentially better recognition in the finance industry.
- May offer better networking opportunities and access to alumni in prominent financial roles.

2. **Rutgers MQF:**
- Ranked among the top 15 Master's in Quantitative Finance programs in the US.
- Known for its quantitative focus, which might be beneficial if you're interested in roles that require strong quantitative skills.

### Career Outcomes and Placement

1. **Job Placement:**
- Both programs likely have strong placement records, but you should research specific placement statistics, such as the percentage of graduates employed within a few months of graduation and the types of companies recruiting from each program.
- WUSTL might have an edge in placement due to its broader finance focus and reputation.

2. **Career Trajectory:**
- **WUSTL:** Graduates may have access to a wider range of finance roles, including investment banking, private equity, and corporate finance. The program's reputation could open doors to more prestigious firms.
- **Rutgers:** Graduates might be better positioned for roles that require advanced quantitative skills, such as quantitative analysis, risk management, and trading.

3. **Alumni Network:**
- Both programs will have alumni networks that can be valuable for job searches and career advice. WUSTL's network might be slightly more extensive and influential due to its longer history and broader program scope.

### Decision Factors

1. **Career Goals:**
- Consider your specific career goals and the type of roles you're targeting. If you're aiming for traditional finance roles, WUSTL might be the better choice. If you're more interested in quantitative finance, Rutgers could be more suitable.

2. **Financial Burden:**
- Evaluate your comfort level with the financial burden of each program. WUSTL's lower net cost could make it a more attractive option, especially if the career outcomes are similar.

3. **Program Curriculum:**
- Review the curriculum of both programs to see which one aligns better with your interests and career aspirations.

### Conclusion

Both programs have their strengths, and the best choice depends on your personal preferences, career goals, and financial considerations. WUSTL offers a strong reputation and potentially better ROI due to the scholarship, while Rutgers provides a specialized focus on quantitative finance. Researching placement statistics, alumni outcomes, and talking to current students or alumni can provide additional insights to help you make an informed decision.
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wihey6
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Masters in Finance or Masters in Quant Finance 09 Aug 2025, 11:02
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Naveen7
Hi Guys,

I'm an international student. I got admitted to Washington University St. Louis (WUSTL) for MS Finance with a scholarship of $45K, and the tuition fee is originally $ 100 K. I have also been admitted to Rutgers for a Master's in Quant Finance. The Tuition fee is $ 75k. I didn't receive a scholarship from Rutgers. WUSTL MSF is considered one of the top 15 MSF programs in the US. On the other hand, Rutgers MQF comes under the top 15 MQF programs in the US. I'm confused about what to choose between these programs. What would be the placement after graduation and the ROI after graduating from these programs? What would be the best Program to get a good job after graduation, maybe even in areas like full desk recruiting, so that I need to pay the student debt. Please give your insights on career outcomes and how would be the career trajectory would be after graduating from these programs.
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I would look at the cost difference and where you want to work after graduation. WUSTL MSF is cheaper due to the scholarship and has a good overall ranking, which may give more flexibility in finance career paths. Rutgers MQF is stronger for quant positions but more expensive. I would consider how important the quant specialization is for you and whether you are ready for a higher load in math and programming.