Tuck vs. Kellogg

Question

Hello Gmatclubbers,

I've been admitted to KLG and Tuck. Tuck offers me almost a half-tuition scholarship.

I am a European applicant with 6 yrs of experience in IM. Post-MBA, I pursue developing my career in the same industry but based in the US. I would like to work in a mutual fund or a family office firm. I will come to the US with my wife and baby.

I find that both schools have a very similar reputation, probably being slightly better considered Kellogg brand (though many people associates this brand to marketing).

Both school can provide me many opportunities to the IM, one at Boston and NY area and the other one at Chicago area.

In terms of Community, the schools are pretty similar too. Even the weather is equally harsh!

What would you choose if you were in my shoes? I've visited Dartmouth and I love it. I haven't visited Kellogg yet.

Thanks for your comments!!!

freroht · Answer

Well congratulations on getting into two great schools.

I am not going into all the minutia between each schools, the fact the matter is you will be able to find similar jobs in both schools, you will be able to work anywhere you want, and the reputation/alumni network is quite similar.

Two major differences though: small school vs large school, and middle of nowhere vs near the city.

If you will not miss the City and think that 240 classmates is enough; well, Tuck is good for you. By the way, personally I would have chosen Tuck given that half-tuition is definitely a good thing.

chireapplicant · Answer

While i love both schools - Keep in mind that Tuck as of this year is not offering loan options to international students.... apparently you have to get your own financing... Also i personally believe that Kellogg has more of an international presence in terms of its well reowned in the world. I live in chicago and love the city even though i have applied to both schools.... Either way you won't go wrong in both schools.

Av · Answer

This is a very personal decision, so keep that in mind when evaluating our comments. If I were in your shoes, I'd take the scholarship money at Tuck and never look back. Kellogg is a great school, but I don't believe it's worth $50k more from a career perspective. I think the only significant difference between these schools is whether you want to live in Evanston, IL or Hanover, NH (career locations will follow as you mentioned).

piggles · Answer

I've got a wife and baby too, so cost of living was a major factor when I was researching schools. For what it's worth, you're going to get a lot more space for your money (or spend less for equivalent space) at Tuck.

wp06 · Answer

I think some things to consider:

1) Rent/Housing: I think Tuck will offer much more reasonably priced apartments / townhouses while cost of living will be higher in chicago. Of course if you wife works and has a good job it may offset this.

2)Transportation: I have not been to either so just a consideration, do you plan to buy/lease a car or would you rely on public trans and buy a car later when you settle in the US

3)Where in the US you want to live afterwards, I think you seem pretty flexible but i know how it is to be married and it is a team decision, where are the best schools for your children, housing options etc.

I think I would go with your gut, but like many have said, you really cannot go wrong. If I were you I would go with Tuck.

Wish you the best

MBADAWG13 · Answer

I would agree with most posts here aside from the fact that Tuck is cheaper to live. I've spoken with several students and cost of living is higher than you would expect. The ceiling/upper range is higher in Chicago for sure, but Evanston actually is more affordable than Hanover. Normally, I wouldn't make a huge deal over this, but with the new innternational loan restrictions at Tuck, cost of living can play into it.

I've heard that it's not uncommon to incur close to $100,000 in "living expenses" if you are bringing a family up to Hanover. This doesn't include tuition. Just some thoughts.

riverripper · Answer

Evanston and Hanover are going to be much closer in costs than most people realize. Rent will be very similar, evanston will probably cost more to get a 2bedroom. However, you can easily get by in Evanston without a car...without a car in Hanover you will feel trapped. So a few hundred more a month will be more than offset by the cost of buying, insuring, and maintaining even a cheap used car for a few years.

I would look at financing options for internationals. A half scholarship is great (esp if it renews) but if you cant get loans and don't have 100k+ sitting around then it isn't going to work for you. Figure 50k a year for the rest of your tuition and living expenses each year. If your wife happens to be able to get a visa or is a US citizen, job opportunities will be 100x better in chicago than western NH.

Tuck vs. Kellogg

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