Which one to choose between IIM B PGP vs Kelley MBA(50% Scholarship)?

Question

Hi All,

I have an admission offer from IIM Bangalore for PGP program and also from Kelley Business School with 50% scholarship.
I have 4 years of work experience with an Indian IT company. My post MBA goal is to get into Consulting post MBA. My second choice is Product Management.
I would like to work in US for the duration of my OPT(3 years) and do not mind returning back in case H1B is not available.

Considering the COVID-19 uncertainty and classes could be online for a semester(Or longer), which program I should go for?

andyprezth · Answer

If you want to go back, IIM is for sure is better. Plus, MBBs hire more from IIMs than Kelley. Also, don't count on OPT as well, there's a big push to cancel/abolish the whole OPT program as we speak. If it was between IIM Vs T7 school, I would have recommended US school. IIM is far better than tier 2 schools when you weight things like cost and risks.

Regenerate · Answer

After considering the scholarship, what's the comparative cost?

Working in the US for three years after an MBA will be much easier if you attend school in the USA.

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Mo2men · Answer

In general, I have 2 line of thoughts.

If you want ending up working in India, so you can choose from the beginning the school that can help you achieve your target.

If you want to enjoy International experience, so you can choose Kelley with OPT (assuming no change in OPT policy in the US during your study) and then return home but you work hard to enroll in the job market in India.

It is really up to you to weigh your goals and preferences. I think both are legit to any one.

Regarding online classes due to Covid-19, I'm afraid that no answer yet available.

Good luck

arkbatman · Answer

Thank you for your reply

. The cost for Kelley comes out to be 54 Lakhs (Without considering potential TA/RA and internship earnings). And for IIM Bangalore it is coming out to be 25 Lakhs (Plus 3 Lakhs if I go for student exchange program). Median Salary at IIM B is 23 Lakhs, where as in Kelley it is $1,15,000(For consulting only it is $1,30,000).

arkbatman · Answer

Posted from my mobile device Thank you for your reply

The problem in IIM B is 4 years work experience is slightly considered disadvantageous for MBB shortlist. Also, if the US removes OPT altogether, would it not demotivate the students who take loan and come to US? Would this not lead to revenue loss for the schools who depend on international students? Can you give your perspective on this?

andyprezth · Answer

Sure, you are right that International students bring a lot to the table. They pay triple what in-state student pay. Universities, right or wrong, depend on this revenue to make these universities better places for all students. A drop here in international enrollment will surely bring a rise in tuition for domestic students as well as a need increase in allocation of state and federal funds to these universities.

However, there are those (poorly educated right wingers) who think American colleges should prioritize admitting US kids, they also (mistakenly) feel that tuition will go down with decrease in international enrollment. OPT is in the firing line of right wingers because people on OPT don't have to pay social security tax and firms hiring OPT save on their share of SS as well. As such, firms can basically hire an international grad and at least 6% discount if not more. Now, I don't think MBB or even GS/Google/FB think about paltry 6% savings while hiring top talent but again right wingers do and they are running the show at the moment.

I would say negotiate TA/RA/GA positions at Kelley, that'll cover your tuition/expenses and at the end of it even if you had to go back, you won't have any loans and would get MBA degree for free (well not free really, as you'll work as TA/GA for it but you won't have to dig into your savings). Have you looked at schools in Canada btw? I'm seeing lot of people going to Canada, they have decent schools as well, you'll get PR in 2/3 years (compare that to 100 yr in the US, YES there's a 100 year wait time for Indians to get green card) and more freedom to go back to India or come to Canada again if you feel like doing that in future.

Regenerate · Answer

So, the cost of Kelley is approximately 2x the cost ... but the projected income is 5x? Do I understand properly?

arkbatman · Answer

Yes. You are correct.

Regenerate · Answer

Seems like an easy decision ... especially if you can get a good job from Kelley at a company that would be respected in India for when you'd return.

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arkbatman · Answer

My scholarship is exclusive of earnings from on campus jobs. I can work upto 20 hours at $18 per hour after my first semester.

Also, I don't see myself settling in US. All I am aiming is a quality international experience, clear my loan and come back to India with some savings.

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elPatron434 · Answer

Hi there!
Congratulations on your admit! I was wondering if you had a chance to speak to anyone from Kelley and IIM B regarding the number of people who end up going into consulting? Afaik Kelley does a lot of tech consulting and has strong ties with Deloitte and Salesforce. I think having a discussion on how many got into the MBB would be a good first step

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Staphyk · Answer

Hello the possibility to remove the OPT is a political stuff (an idea just came up by this government) It has not been finalized. Don’t be perturbed and go for Gold. All the best

andyprezth · Answer

Nope, it's an idea that right wingers like Stephen Miller are fighting for since day 1 (Jan 2017).

PS: I have a cousin who did MS from T10 engineering school in the US, didn't get H1B lottery and is on OPT. I see how people are suffering through anxiety/depression and it's my job to tell people the reality of coming to the US in current times. I myself did MS from Top 10 school, waiting in green card line since 2014. You are just one layoff away from packing your bags and lose everything. So yeah, I would still say - if you are coming to the US, assume that you'll have to leave after your graduation, don't take any loans and try to get full ride. I'll also add - only aim for top 10 schools that have brand reorganization in India.

All the best.

Staphyk · Answer

Good! One there, but should this sail through (doubt it will) U.S gona lose great number of applicants to other countries

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bb · Answer

I think the cost of living also plays a role in it through Bangalore is expensive.... but you still get a lot more for the dollar in India.

From what I have heard IIM B seems like a top 2 school in India, is that right?

studenthopeful · Answer

First, congrats on your admits. Second, I don't have much knowledge regarding international options/schools. And the COVID-19 situation is unfortunately still undecided as to if we will be virtual or not for Fall semester. But as a current Kelley student, the school has done a tremendous job to still make us feel connected. We have a specific consulting academy here at Kelley, and some great companies come to recruit here for consulting.

Mo2men · Answer

It seems the plan is on then move now. The decision may appear this month to curb the OPT. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/immigr ... s-n1207251

arkbatman · Answer

IIM B is a top 2 school in India. Cost of living in Bangalore is high in Bangalore, yet still lower than Mumbai and Delhi.

Should not the learning experience matter while choosing an MBA? Like in Indian MBA's (Except IIM Ahmedabad) still there are lecture-based classes and very few case study based classes.

Regenerate · Answer

Arkbatman ... I don't know how to advise you on a school I know nearly nothing about. I don't know the Indian school. I only really know a little bit about Kelley because I'm considering applying and have been researching it.

The quality of the education does matter. I suspect the quality of the education at Kelley will be quite good. Schools with bad teaching don't get to the top 25 for over two decades and not graduate students who enjoyed their experience and experienced material personal and professional development.

And this thesis of quality teaching is, in my opinion, buttressed by the fact they have the lowest average GMAT in the top 25 ... it's my opinion a few of the reasons they're in the top 25 are because they're delivering inside and outside the classroom. It's not because they've recruited in the most elite applicants.

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Which one to choose between IIM B PGP vs Kelley MBA(50% Scholarship)?

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