<p>Let’s take cost and the choice of school off the table for a minute to focus on your academic plan. </p>
<p>A would think a solid theoretical understanding of math, CS, or economics (combined with good internship experience that shows you can apply it) tends to have higher market value than an undergraduate business degree. However, this may depend on whether you are aiming for the big leagues of Wall Street or Chicago finance & consulting, or for an accounting position at an Indiana firm. </p>
<p>But you’re not considering a business degree alone. So compare U of C’s math/econ plus internships with IU business plus math/econ plus internships. Check out the internships typically available to Chicago students v. IU students. When you add it all together, do you think Chicago has enough extra market value to justify the $80K difference? If so, are your parents truly able and willing to pay for it?</p>
<p>According to payscale.com data, a generic U of C degree is worth about $7K/year more to start and $20K more at mid-career, on average, than a generic IU degree. The spread may be more or less for the kinds of programs you are comparing.</p>