Olin vs Carlson

You're in a great spot! Huge congrats on the offers.



1. Compare employment reports.
Carlson: https://carlsonschool.umn.edu/files/ftm ... 15-2016pdf
Olin: https://olincareers.wustl.edu/SiteColle ... Report.pdf
What I would say is worthwhile noting per your post:

-Carlson (13%) places a greater percentage of their class in "General Management" LDPs than Olin (9%) does

-These percentages are pretty close so I didn't account for absolute numbers...not sure if parsing that out would be any more helpful though Olin's class is larger so maybe they place an absolute greater number in these roles

-Both schools place over 50% of their graduating classes in the Midwest, of the two Olin has the greater national reach per the reports, if you like the Midwest for career options though, either works

-Olin says 9% of its class went into corporate finance, Carlson says that 18% of its class went into Accounting/Finance (from my reading this could include Financial Services though and not necessarily just be corporate)

I'd say this is pretty much a toss up per your stated goals. Both schools have really similar mean starting salaries as well.

2. If you start leaning towards Olin, negotiate for more scholly
Tell them you have 100% scholarship offer. While USNWR has Olin ranking higher than Carlson, both schools are solid Midwestern programs that compete for the same candidates and career placement opportunities. In that sense, they are definitely peer schools. The worst thing that can happen is that Olin will say no. Also, you have a GMAT score WAYYY above their average and solid work experience, I think you could get them to play ball if you want. Come to think of it, you should also see if Carlson will throw down some stipend money, cover your insurance, or pay for you books. They worst that can happen is that they say no.


3. This is actually more important than people give it credit for IMO
Yes it is 'only two years' and yes the possible outcomes from your options should be on your radar (which they clearly are). People also definitely need to weigh WHERE they want to be. It is two years...you should go somewhere you'll enjoy. (This is where I'd put in a plug for how AWESOME Nashville is if you were applying to Owen. )

4. I don't think you can go wrong with a tuition-free degree
With your stated goals and per the fact that you can probably get your desired outcome from either location, I can't see any reason to take on debt you don't need. I would only recommend that you check to see if there are *specific* companies that recruit at Olin that do not go on campus at Carlson that you want to work for. If that is the case, it may be worth paying the bigger price to be in their pipeline. If however all the companies you like recruit at both (or the companies only recruit at Carlson), then Minnesota is definitely the easy answer IMO.

5. If you haven't already, visit both schools and get the 411 from alumni
You may find you *fit* better at one versus the other when you visit. It's amazing how some programs have certain vibes that are just different than others. Also, speaking to alumni will help you get some real sage advice about the good, the bad, and the ugly of both programs. If you can get someone candid about their experience who isn't just trying to sell the brand, I think you'll learn a lot about what each school has to offer.

Given the info in the post, I think Carlson sounds like the better option in your case.

Good luck with the decision!