paging @catcherinthetoast
Are you in a Tulane frat, and is there a chapter at both NU and Vandy?
I can’t speak to finance opportunities in NYC from either school, but you will have to hustle for those from both schools by networking, securing internships, etc. You also might not be able to get in to certain competitive business clubs as a transfer (sadly that is a thing at some schools, so look into that.)
IMO of course, NU > academic intensity than Vandy on average. Vandy could be a nice midpoint between Tulane and NU in balance of fun and academics. (I’m not saying there aren’t strong academics at Tulane nor am I saying students never have fun at NU!)
Quarters do make things fast paced, but some people prefer quarters because classes you don’t like are over faster and you can take more classes as compared to the semester system. As for weather at NU it will be nice in sept/Oct, ok in Nov/Dec, really cold in Jan/Feb, cold to cool/gray/damp in Mar/Apr/May. I don’t know many people who live in Chicagoland for the weather 
Lastly it seems that Vandy has a nice way to welcome all transfers and some programming. Not sure NU’s is as well organized, but that’s something to also look into. Good luck with your decision.