Which school to attend: Ross or Rice?

Question

I have been accepted to both schools. I live and work in Houston and plan to get a job in the energy sector post-MBA. I also want to live in Houston after graduation.
I have visited each school at least twice and have spoken with several current students and alums.

Here are some of the factors that I'm considering:

1) Ranking: Ross is higher ranked than Rice. Ross is top 15 whereas Rice is top 30.
2) Networking: Traveling back and forth from Michigan to Texas will add to expenses and will take up time. Living in Houston and attending Rice will make networking easier.
3) Brand: Ross has a stronger international brand than Rice. 
4) Tuition: I received a 10,000 scholarship at Ross and a 100,000 scholarship (full merit scholarship) at Rice! 
5) Living expenses: Attending Rice will save me tons of $$ because I can live with my gf for free. One less thing to worry about while studying.
6) Student culture: Ross has a non-disclosure policy when it comes to grades. Rice is known for being very competitive; grades matter.
7) Personal: my parents get sick often and it is very important for me to be able to get to them quickly. They live in Texas and living in Michigan will make it a little harder though certainly not impossible
8) Starting salary: Ross has a higher starting salary than Rice.

I know that many believe that one should only attend a school in the top 15 (some even argue for M7 only). I really like Rice though and a full merit scholarship will really look good in my resume. Rice also has a WOW factor here in Houston. I'm certain that I want to stay in Houston post-MBA. Let me know what you would do in my situation and whether there are other factors that I should consider.

kingfalcon · Answer

I would probably advise you go to Rice over Ross at full sticker price given that you know you want to be doing energy in Houston, but on top of that you got a full ride!?

It's an easy decision, mate. Take the money and run!

hailmary · Answer

You have an easy decision on your hand. Pick Rice. I live in Houston and Rice is very well known here, in fact, people from east coast/mid west schools often find it hard to gain traction with energy employers. Plus full ride doesn't hurt too.

bdepp · Answer

Given your goals and #7 on your list it seems to be a slam dunk for Rice. The only thing that I can think of that could trump those factors is if you could see yourself changing your mind and wanting to do consulting or something; then Ross is probably the better fit. But if you're deadset on energy in Houston, then Rice seems to be the best choice.

DefyingGravity · Answer

I agree with the above comments. Even without the full ride, if you know you definitely want to stay in Houston in energy, Rice is your best bet. The $$$ makes it a golden ticket.

Posted from my mobile device

CobraKai · Answer

Agree with the others, but have to ask: Did you apply to McCombs? Seems like you'd get the best of both worlds: Top 20 reputation, Texas location, in-state tuition (~$33K/year). Guess the big downside is not living with your suga momma

latinomba360 · Answer

Thanks! I did not give McCombs serious consideration. Probably not enough time to submit round 2 application.

CobraKai · Answer

...or is there? The deadline is Jan 21...later than most schools who have deadlines this week.

https://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/MBA/Full-Time/Admissions

latinomba360 · Answer

I just checked the website and you are correct! The deadline is not until January 21. I'm off all this week so I have time to work on the app. Is there a HUGE difference between McCombs and Rice? You are going to make me look into this lol. :-D

DefyingGravity · Answer

If you decide to apply to another school for round 2, just keep in mind that you may have to submit your first deposit for Rice before you hear back from McCombs.

Posted from my mobile device

CobraKai · Answer

I think so. The prestige gap between top 30 and top 20 tends to be bigger than top 20 vs. top 10. You'll be part of a bigger network (McCombs class size: 275 vs. Rice class size: 105) that has connections outside of Houston.

I think it's worth exploring. You only get to do an MBA once, so if you were interested enough to apply and accomplished enough to get into Ross, you should take a hard look at McCombs. If you get in, weigh your options, and decide Rice is still better for you, that's fine. Because at least you won't play the "what if?" game later down the road.

Congrats on the admits and scholarships!

asimov · Answer

There is a difference between McCombs and Jones. In addition to whether or not employers recruit at a school, another consideration is what positions are recruited for at the school. Employers often take a tiered approach to recruiting, with the more prestigious/sought-after roles only open to limited schools. The starting salary is tiered as well. I made the final round interviews for a couple of the Big Oil companies, the schools represented were all top 10 + McCombs.

If your ultimate goal is to stay in Houston in the energy sector, Jones is better than Ross; however, I would not leave McCombs out of the mix.

latinomba360 · Answer

Thank you all for the reply. I will look into McCombs but as of now, I'm really happy with Rice. I was also admitted to Texas A&M.

rango · Answer

Congratulations

With all your mental conflict, i understand that you will be more comfortable with RICE. Its fine what the world say about the top 15 schools BUT at the end of day its your hard work that matters and satisfaction.Since the high salary of ROSS is direct pull BUT remember the RICE scholarship will make up 2 years of work income and make up the MBA gains in long term.

So don't worry go to RICE

Best Wishes for future

:-D

MacFauz · Answer

From your original post, it seems like you've already made your decision...

Which school to attend: Ross or Rice?

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