Higher rank or scholarship?

[mqt001]

Hello all,

I have a bit of a dilemma. I am currently torn between two programs: Vanderbilt (Owen) FTMBA and OSU (Fisher) FTMBA. Vanderbilt seems to be a better fit in regards to my desired career path, which is consulting (approximately 25% of Owen graduates end up in consulting per the official school stats). Vanderbilt offered me no scholarship money, whereas OSU has offered $30K. Vanderbilt is ranked higher than OSU in every poll I have seen. I suppose my question is: is it worth it to pay $30k extra to attend the school with the higher ranking (albeit the two are not far apart in the polls), or should I take the money and go with OSU? I should add that without the money, the cost would be about the same since I would pay out of state tuition for OSU.

Thanks!

[EduSimplified]

Hi mqt001,
It seems that you may have answered you question. When you mention that Vanderbilt fits better to your career goals, I would seldom recommend you to join any other school. Having said that I am a bearer of student loan and can tell you first hand that finances are not to be ignored.
The rush of getting into your dream school can overtake the rationale of financial reality. Which will only dawn once you graduate and trust me thats a big blow. To keep the post short I will advise you to look at your finances and if you are able to manage $30K with reasonable ease, go with your dream school Vanderbilt.

Good Luck!

[MargaretStrother]

I have to agree -- go with Vanderbilt. The difference in price would evaporate very quickly after your first year of employment, but the difference in brand and quality would last forever.
By the way, don't forget to let Vanderbilt admissions know (tactfully!) that you have this dilemma. It doesn't always work, but sometimes they can scratch together a bit of $$ if that's the only factor preventing you from joining their community.

Good luck!
Margaret Strother

[AlexBarret]

Hello all,

I have a bit of a dilemma. I am currently torn between two programs: Vanderbilt (Owen) FTMBA and OSU (Fisher) FTMBA. Vanderbilt seems to be a better fit in regards to my desired career path, which is consulting (approximately 25% of Owen graduates end up in consulting per the official school stats). Vanderbilt offered me no scholarship money, whereas OSU has offered $30K. Vanderbilt is ranked higher than OSU in every poll I have seen. I suppose my question is: is it worth it to pay $30k extra to attend the school with the higher ranking (albeit the two are not far apart in the polls), or should I take the money and go with OSU? I should add that without the money, the cost would be about the same since I would pay out of state tuition for OSU.

Thanks!

First of all, you need to listen to your heart because there is an intuition in it. Secondly, I think it doesn`t matter the ranking of the �ollege but your desire to study and to reach all your goals. And what about money, I think it`s a big advantage to get the scholarship money. Good luck for you!

[Donna@Stratus]

Hello all,

I have a bit of a dilemma. I am currently torn between two programs: Vanderbilt (Owen) FTMBA and OSU (Fisher) FTMBA. Vanderbilt seems to be a better fit in regards to my desired career path, which is consulting (approximately 25% of Owen graduates end up in consulting per the official school stats). Vanderbilt offered me no scholarship money, whereas OSU has offered $30K. Vanderbilt is ranked higher than OSU in every poll I have seen. I suppose my question is: is it worth it to pay $30k extra to attend the school with the higher ranking (albeit the two are not far apart in the polls), or should I take the money and go with OSU? I should add that without the money, the cost would be about the same since I would pay out of state tuition for OSU.

Thanks!

I would go to Vanderbilt because I think your chances of seeing more consulting firms are better there. And especially if it is the same out of pocket cost to you- I would go to Owen.
But honestly only you can answer this question since only you know all the variables- but if you are crowd sourcing here to see what the "market" says... count me as one for Owen! Good luck!

[PrepMBA.AlexLeventhal]

There are tactful ways to approach Vanderbilt for some merit scholarship money. They will likely not match the 30K but I have worked with clients to communicate in these types of situations with schools and often there is some positive movement.

Good Luck!
Alex