UNC Kenan-Flagler($$) v/s NYU Stern?

Congrats on the admits!!

Its a no brainier especially if you are an international student. There is obviously difference in the reputation of those two schools , but I have to tell you, when you graduate with absolutely no loan vs huge loan the corporate life experience can be completely different and less nerve racking.

NYU Stern would give you some really good finance roles that would be really difficult from UNC. Think of IBs, M&A etc. If you are not interested in those roles, then UNC wins hands down. Also keep a flexible mind while pursuing MBA. There are lot of other interesting roles that open up during MBA. The whole point of MBA is to explore and choose the best from the options that the school provides you.
Corporate finance roles are typically stable and also relatively very few in number. You will have to network extremely well and showcase the relevant skills.

Hope this helps!!

Hi Official1990,
I can very well understand your situation.
First thing I would do is try negotiate with Stern. I'm not an expert in negotiating with schools but I prefer being honest and that's what I would suggest you too. Let Stern know your goals and your preference, and also the dilemma you're facing. I don't think they'll match the offer but may be they'll offer you at least something? You never know...

Regarding the school itself, Stern is definitely better than KF. This difference matters even more since you plan to recruit for finance roles.
On your idea of coming to EU/Singapore again Stern will help you much more than KF. (I'm an Indian based in Singapore btw and I too plan to move around after my MBA in US)

On the cost front, it might look like a huge number today but it may not be so a few years down the line. Moreover, if you work in a good role in US, even for first few years post-MBA you'll be debt free.

All together, my suggestion is that if you plan to live in US in long-term or wish to get into a corporate role Stern is much better. I would strongly suggest to start negotiating with Stern and also check your financing options.

PS: Pardon me for this but I didn't exactly get your reluctance to get into consulting/IB. Every field is competitive. I think what should matter more is not the competitiveness of the job but the "content" of the job..Did I misunderstood anything here?

Hi Official 1990, congratulations on the admits ..what did you finally decide?

1. Do you think it will be possible to negotiate with Stern for any sort of scholarship?
Yes, def negotiate with Stern, if they say no they no but it would be a disservice to not try

2. Which school would most people in my situation choose (keeping in mind both the cost factor and the brand name factor)?
Well, I can only really focus on your situation as no two situations are alike. For you I would go KF, you're leaning that way anyways and with the money and your career goals KF should be able to satisfy that

Again you can see I am biased, but I think UNC makes the most sense here -- mainly because (A) you seem to be flexible and not dead set on New York City banking and not IB, (B) cost is a major factor for you (I can relate, to was for me too), and (C) you seem to be leaning towards UNC today. UNC is a great school and I think you ultimately have to decide what you want taking all things into consideration. NYU is going to be a very different experience from Chapel Hill.

If you have any questions you want to ask me about UNC please feel free to shoot me a PM.

Thank you so much for your replies!
Have a lot to think about now.