Owen Vanderbilt(70%) vs Wisconsin Madison(50%)

Question

Hey guys,

I am an international student. I have been admitted to Owen Vanderbilt with 70% scholarship and University of Wisconsin with 50% scholarship. My expenses would be around same in both the colleges. 
Post MBA, I'm interested in Corporate Finance. Also work location is not much of a factor, but preferably west coast. 
My main consideration in choosing a school is: 1. Better placement in corporate finance for international student 2. A better ROI which helps in long run 3. A better brand name

So guys I would really appreciate your feedback regarding this.

Thanks.

teleste · Answer

Full disclosure: Vandy alum, love Owen.

Based on your post, Owen is clearly the better option IMO.

According to the employment reports, both programs place ~1/4 of their class into Finance roles (though it is not easy to distinguish between banking and corp finance on the reports). While placement % may be similar, the employment reports show that Owen has a greater national reach (though it is more East Coast focused) and a higher average starting salary.

UW: https://bus.wisc.edu/employers/program- ... ialization
VU: https://www.owen.vanderbilt.edu/employer ... report.cfm

Additionally, I'll add:
Owen Brand > Wisconsin School of Business Brand (according to USNWR B-School rankings)
Vanderbilt Brand > University of Wisconsin Brand (according to USNWR Uni rankings)
Nashville > Madison (in just about every way)
SEC > Big 10 (in my not-so-humble-opinion)

Good luck with the decision!

stonecold · Answer

Two great schools.
I would tap that Vanderbilt offer.

Its clearly a Bigger Brand.
Nashville >> Wisconsin 
Plus with that kind of money -> You should book that flight to Nashville.
Being an international candidate(Tough times with the whole H1-B mess) you would really heavy on networking to get that dream internship or job.
Make sure you do that as soon as you land in Nashville.

All the best for the MBA.

Regards
Stone Cold

bb · Answer

I also vote for Owen, overwhelmingly Owen.

The fact that Vanderbilt is private vs. Wisconsin (public) also makes me feel better - less bureaucracy and more nimble and attentive program. Owen also has a larger program but a tighter network of alums (Bschool, Undergrad, and Med School). I have talked to a few Vanderbilt alums and have not detected any snootiness which is something I am always concerned in the South (sorry for stereotyping).

P.S. One funny thing I heard is that Owen folks are very proud of their book lockers... teleste maybe you can deny or confirm this :-)

teleste · Answer

+1 to not being snobby. Vanderbilt students have all the brains of elite schools...but all of the niceness and hospitality of the Midwest and South. It is a great atmosphere on campus at Owen and "Big Vandy."

There is A LOT about Owen I love, but I can't say that my book locker was ever a point of pride... O.O

Let us know where you end up OP! Best of luck.

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

Go with Owen, Vandy has a great reputation and you will be in a better city with good career opportunities. Congrats!

NP720 · Answer

Hi,

Thank you so much  bb ,  teleste ,  stonecold  and  VeritasPrepDozie  for your insightful replies. 
I have joined Owen Graduate School of management.

bb · Answer

Thank you for posting back your results! Congratulations!
You won't be disappointed. Good luck over the next 2 years - Nashville is a fun place!

Owen Vanderbilt(70%) vs Wisconsin Madison(50%)

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