USC Marshall vs BU ($$)

Question

I was leaning towards Marshall, but Boston University offered me a 70% scholarship. Now there is a big question mark in my head. I want to follow an entrepreneurial career in the long-term and maybe land a job in tech start-up companies right after the MBA if the things don't work out as early as I planned. I favored USC for its higher rank, student network and its location, as California houses practically the majority of tech start-ups in the US. Weather is LA is a bonus. What would you guys choose given these goals? Your opinions are welcome.

lb2015 · Answer

Both USC and BU are apt to be very regionally focused in their recruiting. Do you have a preference of where you'd like to live?

Boston also has a pretty strong start-up scene, so that's something to consider. This article puts it right above LA!

As a born-and-bred Bostonian, I would agree about the weather...it can sure be brutal here!

thestronghold · Answer

I would much rather live in LA, mainly for the weather and proximity to the Silicon Valley. I am aware of Boston's reputation as a hub for startups, some would even place it above NYC. That was one of the reasons I applied to BU. Although LA has a similarly sized startup scene, so I can't break the tie regarding this criteria. The real doubt lies in whether the huge cost difference is worth the better tuition, school brand, student network, location, etc. I am not sure how big is the gap between those schools.

Thanks for the feedback!

lb2015 · Answer

Based on what you've said, I went ahead and voted for Marshall. It sounds like you'd really like to be on the West Coast, and Marshall is also a solid top 25 school, whereas BU is ranked a good 15-20 places lower. You'd probably have trouble getting out to the West Coast from BU, and you are clearly more excited about Marshall regardless! It sounds like the only real draw to BU is the scholarship, correct me if I'm wrong.

One thing you might consider is asking Marshall is they could match your scholarship, or at least give you a partial scholarship to sweeten the deal.

One thing you might consider is asking Marshall is they could match your scholarship, or at least give you a partial scholarship to sweeten the deal.

thestronghold · Answer

Thanks everyone that voted. Despite the poll results, I am facing some financial difficulties that make Marshall an impossible choice without a loan. As loans through the school are not available to international students and I could not find any other private institution that do not require an american co-signor, I will stick with BU.

USC Marshall vs BU ($$)

USC or BU ($$)?

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