Admitted- W&M Mason vs Northeastern University

Question

Hi, i received admit from these 2 B schools.
W&M Mason - 34k scholarship
Northeastern Univ. - 55k scholarship

W&M ranks better that Northeastern, but location of later one is much better.
I am really confused.
Can anyone shed light over job placement, tuition and ROI of these schools?

sayiurway · Answer

W&M is clearly a better choice. The location of Northeastern turns out to be a disadvantage since there are a number of higher ranked programs there.

ayush93 · Answer

Yes, I agree. I am also inclined towards W&M. But the scholarship offered is much less than expected. Should I negotiate or accept the offer?
Does anyone done this before with W&M? What was the response from admission committee?

bb · Answer

Congratulations on your admits!

At this ranking level, I don't think there is much difference on on-campus recruiting and a scholarship would outweigh a slightly better ranking. William and Mary is highly ranked Undergrad and that may be of some help with networking with undergrad alums or catching an eye of an employer who has heard the school name but the undergrad alum connection is not strong once they realize you are from different world (undergrad and bschool are cousins at best). Both schools report fairly low employed at graduation % at roughly 50% at Mason and 40% at Northeastern which means 30% if you take everyone into account. The numbers do improve to 90% 3 months out.

In terms of location, you can argue it a few ways - e.g. yes, you do have to content with Boston U, Boston College, HBS, and MIT but what's the thinking of being in Williamsburg? What would you be recruiting for? Off-campus mostly... well, you can recruit offcampus while being in Boston close to an airport with a bit more $$ in your pocket. I think being in a metro where you have easier access (even with more competition) feels better. Also with only 30% of folks employed at graduation, you are better off staying put and finding a job somewhere you have a network you have built so if you can stay same place after graduating, I feel you are slightly better off than being forced to move and pick a place - just thinking out loud. Hopefully helps. Talk to current students to set your expectations right.

PS. If one of these offers STEM, it helps substantially.

Admitted- W&M Mason vs Northeastern University

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