IU Kelley $$$ vs UNC Kenan Flagler $ vs Emory Goizueta $

Question

Just until few weeks ago I even wasn't sure if I'll get admitted anywhere and now I have to make a decision…

Coming from Architecture background, extensive international experience (both professional & academic), green card holder, currently in the Southeast U.S. Post-MBA goal is to do Strategy/Management Consulting for Deloitte, Accenture, McKinsey or similar. No geographic preferences - ready & willing to relocate for best opportunity. Kelley generously offered a Dean's Fellowship, which in addition to all intangible benefits also covers 100% of tuition & fees. Kennan-Flagler offered 37% of tuition & fees and has invited me to apply to their Dean's Fellows Program (no immediate monetary benefits). Emory has offered 36% of tuition and fees. Any recommendations greatly appreciated. Thank you!

CobraKai · Answer

Since you're flexible with your geographic preferences, I would do two things:

1) Figure out which of the three schools will position you best for consulting recruiting.
2) Put money aside and ask yourself which school would you most enjoy attending.

I say #2 because yes, $$ is important, but to me, a full-ride to Kelley isn't worth it if you don't like it there and keep wondering "What if I went to UNC/Emory?"

OptimisticApplicant · Answer

If you want to do consulting, Emory is a no-brainer. Just look at the placement stats:

- Emory: 37% https://viewer.zmags.com/publication/f90 ... f900d1f9/5
- UNC: 16% https://www.kenan-flagler.unc.edu/progra ... statistics
- Kelley: 19.6% https://kelley.iu.edu/include/flipbook/G ... #/5/zoomed

Additionally, in the consulting industry, prestigue matters, so going to a higher ranked program has some value.

OA

boothcornellrock · Answer

Pretty much a similar situation to what i am in. In your case, I would take Kelley without a thought, since you are also willing to relocate. Named fellowships are a good thing to have on your resume. You will get into Deloitte from all three of them if you are set on doing consulting. MBB will be a big reach at all three. Schools are in the same prestige/ranking level with a few notches up/down. Kelley community is tremendous and Dean's fellowship will certainly open a lot of doors for you. I, myself was hoping to get it, but did not.

My vote goes to Kelley given your specific case.

My vote goes to Kelley given your specific case.

jxcho · Answer

The thing is, there's no difference in prestige between the three schools. Sure, US News may rank Goizueta the highest and BusinessWeek may rank Kelley the highest but nobody really considers them to be anything but peer schools. Goizueta may place more people into consulting but that could be attributed to the fact that less people who go to Kenan-Flagler or Kelley want to go into consulting.

I would pick Kelley because of the Dean's Fellowship and all the benefits that entails, which is far beyond just money. If you'd prefer staying in the Southeast, I'd choose between Kenan-Flagler and Goizueta based on the school/culture you prefer.

old1442 · Answer

agreed. take the money and make it your job to hussle for one of those positions of the 20% who get placed in consulting

machichi · Answer

These stats don't tell you what percentage of people WANT to do consulting. Maybe it's 50% at Emory and 19.7% at Kelley. That would mean that Emory only places some 75% while Kelley places almost 100%. That said, Emory probably has more invested in the consulting track, which means their career services are probably exceptional in that area.

Kelley seems like one of the happiest business schools in the world. I can't believe how thrilled students are with their experience. That makes it rise to the top of my list. Nonetheless, I haven't visited any of these schools or spoken to any current students or alumni, so my opinion is based on hearsay.

I'd take the money and run. Kelley is a great program!

IU Kelley $$$ vs UNC Kenan Flagler $ vs Emory Goizueta $

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