[#permalink]
04 Jan 2007, 23:02
Both schools are viable choices.
Vanderbilt has the stronger institutional reputation. As stated before, Vandy is one of the finest universities in the southern US and has more widespread name recognition than Michigan State. Of course, this does not mean that it is a better match for a particular student or that it would provide a superior academic experience. Likewise, Owen appears to have a significantly stronger reputation in finance than Broad. Again, however, this does not necessarily mean that it would provide a better academic experience.
Based on the BW ranking, there is no clear winner. In BW's 2006 ranking Michigan State and Vanderbilt have virtually identical ranks and in 2004 Vanerbilt outranked Michigan State. Of all known comparisons from 1992 through 2006, Michigan State had three "wins" and Vanderbilt three "wins".
USNews clearly ranks Michigan State higher than Vanderbilt. Further, Michigan State seems to have stronger placement stats. Both factors would seem to favor Broad. However, it is also important to consider the geographic distribution of graduates.
Hjort