Tepper MBA vs Simon MBA

Question

Hello all,
I am looking for some advice.
I have admits from Tepper(with 50% scholarships) and Simon (75% scholarships).
I have been working in the consulting for 7+ years now and am looking to move into corporate strategy or product management roles post-MBA.
Which of these would be a better pick, in your opinion?

PyjamaScientist · Answer

If I were you, I'd have chosen Tepper for it punches way above its weight in Tech PM recruiting. Because CMU attracts all the major tech companies on its campus, Tepper grads, over the years, have recruited heavily in the Tech space. You will have almost same Tech opportunities at your doorstep by attending Tepper that you will have with any other T-15 school. So, with this in mind, Tepper surely looks like the better choice here. I hope someone can provide a more nuanced opinion about Simon, but for me, Tepper's a clear winner here.
Wish you best.

akshaypandey · Answer

I have two friends who both graduated from Simon, and I asked the same question to them. Both their answers were Tepper over Simon. The reasons are multiple, but here are a few:
1. Tepper has a broader Alumni Base, and that would be helpful not just during MBA but after MBA as well
2. Tepper being more tech focused, bring you slightly better job opportunities. This is evident in their employment report - look at the kind of employers that come. 
3. Ranking wise, Tepper has a better reputation compared to Simon. While Simon is considered an extremely good B-School on the east coast, Tepper is considered such a school across the US (P.S. - That's what I've heard from speaking to various students, and through both these friends of mine. So, take it with a pinch of salt.)

However, it's not that Simon isn't adept at providing good Product Management or Consulting opportunities, it's just that between the two school Tepper has an advantage. But ultimately, it boils down to your risk appetite, how you're going to sponsor your MBA, and how much loan would you be comfortable taking, if needed.

These are just my two cents. Hope this was somewhat helpful.

Minimouse21 · Answer

Thank you for the wonderful insights!! 
Can someone confirm on the 2 year full time Tuition Fee for Tepper MBA Program?

MBAPrepCoach · Answer

Tepper is definitely worth the additional cost, as the tech stuff is still going to be shaking out. Tepper is one program that’s still going to have decent recruitment with p.m. And I’m not sure that Rochester would even be a contender there. CMU is a pretty decent brand nationally and possibly even internationally. So that gives you more geographical flexibility. Which is important because frankly, I do not like Rochester and I don’t really like the whole upstate New York at all and I lived there for three very long years. But I think Pittsburgh is a delight.

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Tepper MBA vs Simon MBA

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