MSF- UIUC, should I go for it?

Question

Hi, I got an admit from UIUC for MSF with $5000 scholarship. Should I go for it? Despite having a $5K scholarship, I'm bit concerned about its high cost. It's still around $40K in tuition fee. Should I go for it? I need some honest suggestions. Thank you.

sailtheworld · Answer

This is a public school? That's a lot of money!

Edit: Looked at the website. That's crazy; how does a state school get away with not having an in-state tuition rate?

aashima123 · Answer

hey my situation is the same..received the scholarship but stil think its too expensive...also is the huge class size a disadvantage?...the site says the course has been there since the past 50 yrs...is it really that old?

@rafi0307...could you please share your profile?

@rafi0307...could you please share your profile?

Rafi0307 · Answer

Hi, my profile is not that good.
I'm from Bangladesh, BBA in Finance....CGPA 3.34 ( on a scale of 4.0), Passed CFA Level-1, GMAT 660 (Q:49, V:31), IELTS 7.5, 2 months internship in a Financial Inst. and 6 months full-time experience in a Bank.

If you don't mind, what is yours?

Regarding ILLINOIS MSF, It has always been a great program although the recent job placements and class size are not favorable. Moreover, ILLINOIS is a prestigious university. It has a great Finance Faculty and their MS and Phd in Finance are quite reputed around the world. I am just concerned about its high cost. But, I think it will be a good investment if you really have a great interest in Finance.

sailtheworld · Answer

Illinois has a strong reputation and it is one of the more established programs given its history.

The large class size is a disadvantage, it is obviously more difficult to place a larger class than a smaller class, but this also could mean more firms come to recruit on campus. If you can compete and are proactive in your education and job search, then you can overcome any disadvantage a large class size brings (less attention by administration and career services, less assistance in course advising, less time with professors)

dreddevil · Answer

completely agree with sailtheworld and rafi0307..UIUC has a great name and is one of the target schools for firms from Chicago!!
As for the cost, rafi0307, there are hardly any cheap but quality MSF programs..

sailtheworld · Answer

Yes, most MSF programs are at private universities, so the cost is roughly the same everywhere. There are some programs with heftier scholarships, but MSF is quite expensive. I would have thought a state school like Illinois would provide in-state tuition rates though.

Florida and UVA (UVA is general and only useful for IB or consulting) offer in-state rates. Not sure on cost for Florida, but UVA's is only 5,000 cheaper in-state.

rachanaitsme · Answer

Hi ,
 Could ne body help me out. I have got admits from UIUC (MSF) and Simon ( Ms in Marketing).. and had an interview with case western reserve ( MSF)... Could ne body giv me some info abt case western... Also I am confused as to which one to chose.... Ne inputs would be helpful... Thanks

MSFHQ · Answer

UIUC has a good program and they try and match you up with a winter internship. Case is nice for the fact that you are in Cleveland and can inter (might not be the best city, but there are places to work/intern).

UoR is a great school, but the marketing degree is really not inline with an MSF. Apples to oranges. I've spoken to the admissions office at both schools and think they both have their pros and cons. What are you looking to ultimately do?

rachanaitsme · Answer

Thanks for the reply Antony.... I am ultimately looking for a program in finance. But have got Work experience in market research ... so aplied marketing at UOR.... just in case i dont get into msf.... but looking at UOR stats i got a little inclined towards the program..... I am a little concerned about the placement scenario at UIUC especially for international students....I ve heard its not that great.... else i had almost fixed on UIUC....

MSFHQ · Answer

It is tough being an international student right now. High unemployment in the US plus the Hire American Act really put a damper on things. I have heard the same thing you have about UIUC, but I wouldn't say it is only their issue. Every school has trouble placing international students.

UoR is a great school, but I think UIUC is stronger in finance. UIUC will place strongly in Chicago and UoR will do slightly better in NYC. They are both different programs though and your final job will be different, depending on the job you take.

Which campus do you like better? Have you spoken to any current students? What city (Chicago/NYC) do you feel most comfortable. These are the questions you need to be asking.

thaihoang305 · Answer

U of illinois is good with career service. I think it worth for such tuition fees.

MSF- UIUC, should I go for it?

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