brutus wrote:
Paul:
Do you think UT or UVA would be a better fit for a career in investment management? UT would be more economical (in-state tuition) and I plan to work in Texas post MBA. However, UVA seems to be a leg-up as far as prestige of the program goes and case method is appealing to me. Both school's alumni seem to be committed although I would probably give the nod to Darden on a nationwide basis there. Given what you know, which do you think makes more sense? Also, any idea how the cost of living in Austin vs. Charlottesville compares?
Thanks,
Brutus
Brutus,
Tough question. If you look at the companies that recruit the largest number of each schools' MBAs, you will see financial services firms like Merrill Lynch, Banc of America Securities, and JPMorgan Chase right at the top of Darden's list. The only financial services firm that breaks into Texas's top 10 recruiters is Banc of America Securities. Texas would probably open up *more* opportunities for financial services companies in Texas and the Southwest, but Darden might open more exclusive doors. Interestingly, while 44% of Texas's MBA took finance jobs only 37% of Darden's did.
Bottom line: If you were willing to live outside of Texas in the first few years after the MBA and then transfer down the road I would give the nod to Darden. If it must be Texas, then Texas Austin would probably give you more choices.
Regarding the differences in cost of living between Austin and Charlottesville, Sperling's Best Places (
https://www.bestplaces.net/city/) allows you to compare two cities across every metric.
Good luck,