USC Marshall(80k) vs. UNC Kenan-Flagler(Full-Ride)
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10 Jan 2024, 23:35
I am a 25-year-old international ORM currently working in Asset Management whose future goal is consulting with a backup option in corporate finance. I'm also looking to explore Investment banking, but I believe with my work experience it may be a bridge too far to cross (3 years at matriculation). I currently have savings of USD 100K, so either way I would graduate with very little debt. Please offer your thoughts on my decision!
For reference, USC Marshall will have me paying $65,000 more in tuition.
USC Marshall Pros:
- Los Angeles Market + Family members close by
- Trojan/Alumni Network
- Has been climbing the rankings recently (currently ranked above UNC)
USC Marshall Cons:
- Only 86% post-3-month job accepts, no information on internationals
- Talking to some students, it felt like the job-search part was way more on your own than facilitated by the school. Essentially, maybe a weaker career services department, and less on-campus recruiting.
- Los Angeles Cost-of-living. Even though the average UNC grad makes $10k less per year, per my calculations, after cost of living and taxes they probably take home more pay.
UNC Pros:
- Full Ride
- College Town Experience
- Strong in Finance + Proximity to Charlotte = Good backup options in finance in case investment banking or consulting does not work out. I feel this is very relevant as an ORM, in 2024, a lot of ORM's seem to be struggling in recruiting, particularly for consulting.
- Students have been above and beyond responsive
UNC Cons:
- I have heard that internationals have had a tougher time integrating in school life at UNC compared to some other MBA schools
- Students without US Work authorization had only an 81% job acceptance according to their 2023 career report, a bit concerning as this is quite low
- Admissions staff and information sessions seem way more uncoordinated than most schools which worries me.
- Students have said Career Services is not super helpful, but 2nd years had been great.
What are your thoughts, everyone? Appreciate the feedback!