Which EMBA: Cornell vs Columbia vs Kellogg

Question

Happy to have options, but hard to know which criteria are most important in selecting amongst these schools. Please consider that I want the most bang for the buck given my particular situation as older and established student with maybe 13 years of work remaining.

49 year old doctor accepted to EMBA programs:

Cornell (Pallisades)
Columbia (F,S)
Kellogg (Miami)

Will probably continue in health care administration. May consult vc, hedge funds, biotech.

Columbia is Ivy and highest ranked. The educational snob in me says to go there. But NYC is hard to get to, Fri class is difficult, hotel is not provided, and little networking as everyone goes home at night.

Cornell sat/sun is most convenient, easier to get to, ivy, and you are captive with classmates and profs - a good thing IMO.

Kellogg in Miami is convenient format (once per month is good for me) and desirable location, high ranked, also captive audience, but not ivy.

All great, but am I wrong to go with Cornell, or maybe Kellogg for convenience over a higher ranking? Do I go with Kellogg because higher ranked than Cornell.

Or is CBS the place to go due to higher ranking, Ivy, and NYC location (despite my perceived negatives above)?

Of course, I am fully committed and thrilled to go to any of these. Only one acceptance would have been easier! But now with options, I look to the forum for insightful comments from those that have a good perspective of the landscape, especially for an older student from the healthcare arena.

Does #5 ranking trump convenience and #10 ranking?? Does Ivy trump ranking?

torontoken · Answer

I'm in the same dilemma, where did you end up with and was your decision good?

Covidmitted · Answer

Unsure what you guys choose. I'm looking through here to figure out the same in 2020 lol. With the EXACT 3 programs plus NYU. I'm heavily leaning towards Cornell since it's now based in NYC instead of Ithaca, and Johnson seems to be on the cusp of pushing the NYC programs hard. Although, Columbia's 2nd year options allow for a lot of modifications and classes outside CBS. A lot to think about!

JohnnyBlaze · Answer

In order: Columbia, Kellogg, Cornell

Columbia 
Columbia offers the benefit of a strong university and business school. The CBS network is very strong, especially in finance, and being an EMBA allows you to tap both networks, the university as well as the MBA program. CBS doesn’t need Columbia to lean on. The benefit of Columbia is it’s a large MBA program and has robust resources in NYC, both result in an overall strong program that’s well funded and supported by a wealth of famous academics and great school administrators. Expect strong CBS and CU alumni presence. You definitely get the smart card for going to CBS.

Kellogg 
I would put Kellogg in-between both Columbia and Cornell. Northwestern is a fantastic university but unlike Cornell, and similar to CBS, I would argue that Kellogg has its own brand with a dominate presence in consulting/market and is focused on growing finance. The new dean is very impressive and with the new building (which you unfortunately wont’ experience), the overall program is taking the right steps. You definitely get the smart card for going to K.

Cornell 
Cornell is a very strong brand name that’s known worldwide, but Johnson hasn’t ever been able to capitalize on its parent and that’s not likely to change. Just look at the website, Johnson’s pitch is only Cornell, the other two programs don’t need their parent. Johnson is also is a smaller MBA program and despite the NYC presence, is predominantly Ithaca based & focused on launching new masters degrees, rather than make its MBA program tops. Sure the NYC site is great, but the reality is the funding for the overall MBA program isn’t as strong as Columbia and Kellogg (less rich successful alum donors), so less $ for academic superstars and weaker administrators to run the overall program. End result, as an EMBA you become part of the Cornell world (yeah), but at a less established/regarded program that isn’t run as well as your other two options (boo). You’ll join the strong Cornell alumni world, but one driven by the large undergrad program while at Columbia and Kellogg you get both, a super strong MBA and world famous university.

Which EMBA: Cornell vs Columbia vs Kellogg

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