S24 has been accepted to a number of schools and is waiting on the last few decisions to trickle in. Finance major. Great kid, top of his class, loads of ECs, varsity sports, etc. He’s worked hard, so proud of him.
Unfortunately, we’ve only had the opportunity to visit UMD and have viewed the rest virtually (we know it’s not the same).
We can help him somewhat with tuition but he’s a twin so they’re each getting equal amounts. Best price vs name/rank? How much weight does an undergraduate school name hold when it comes job opportunities?
With housing deposits due soon, orientation sessions filling up, etc he’s really feeling the pressure to make a decision ASAP.
So far we’ve narrowed his list down to the following (random order; all totals after scholarships and including tuition, room & board):
He’s also been accepted to the following but think the above list is a better fit:
CWRU - $35K
Fordham - $68K
Bocconi University (Milan) - $30K
Indiana University - Kelley, $46K
Gettysburg - $35K
Dickinson - $28K
Please help us weigh the pros and cons. Greatly appreciate your feedback!
In addition to @itsgettingreal21 question - what is the budget concerns, etc.?
Bama Culverhouse (excellent) and FSU are both much cheaper than the others - and you eliminated most higher priced it seems - or you said they’re a better fit.
Why? Richmond is nothing like - the big flagships - so is the better fit from a budget POV or other POV?
If you got Richmond that inexpensively, I’ll assume there’s a need component.
So to me the first question is what can you comfortably afford? The second question is then - what type of finance - from regular corporate type to Wall Street to consulting, etc.
For finance and in terms of best value, I’d go for URichmond or UMD Smith/Honors. Both would have excellent access to the DC/NOVA firms and easy access to MidAtlantic/East Coast networks.
Since both are extremely different (size, vibe, location…) it should be easier to see whether he’s got preferences.
Financial need - we don’t seem to qualify for need-based aid. S24 has been lucky to have received several large merit scholarships.
Budget - Husband is from Europe where university is much more affordable, so he is having trouble digesting these numbers. With twins, we also have two going at once.
Fit - S24 is flexible on school size and environment. He’s independent yet social at the same time, but I don’t think he’s actively seeking Greek life. Would be happier with intramural sports and clubs.
With so many options already under $35K, it seems hard to justify going with something more.
S24 doesn’t have a top choice school.
Location - We’re in the DMV area so Richmond and UMD are drivable whereas Bama is a flight. S24 doesn’t mind being far.
Finance - S24 hasn’t chosen an exact career path within finance yet, but isn’t interested in Wall Street. Good at languages, maybe consulting or international banking. Hard to say.
Where does your child want to live upon graduation? And does he know what he wants to do within the field of finance?
Of the schools you are considering, I think UMD and Richmond have the best reputation in DC and NY. Richmond will have a different curriculum (with a liberal arts core) from the other schools. Is that what your son is looking for?
Does your son have a place he feels is the best fit? So much of business school is clubs and networking, etc. It helps to like where you are and the other students!
Two options in my opinion. Go cheap or go IU-Kelley, which is the best business school on this list by a mile. For the schools with lowest COA, FSU is better than Alabama or Arizona for business.
These schools are so different. Interesting they would all appeal to him. Especially very large schools like the university of South Carolina, and how disjointed it is compared to the smaller enclave and beautiful architecture of Richmond.
Agree. Kelley for finance is the obvious choice of the ones that you believe are a better fit. Maryland would be the obvious choice as it’s in state and it’s a top 50 school it also has a better reputation than a school like South Carolina.
Richmond offers an excellent business school in a generally undergraduate-focused environment. These aspects, and others — such as its attractive price — seem sufficient to warrant its consideration for your son’s top choice, in my opinion.
Ehhhh - I disagree - FSU, Culverhouse and Eller are interchangeable. All are fine schools as are the others listed - especially for a generalist finance degree.
Who even knows if OP’s student will finish in finance or find another love.
I truly think this is a choice of budget and fit. These schools are different - Bama is a huge campus; Arizona is more rectangular and near a larger downtown, FSU is smaller and adjacent to a small city downtown. U of SC is downtown - not near, etc. UMD is a great b school so unless the student wants out of state, it’d be a fine choice.
Richmond is an LAC but not really with business being the biggest major and it’s sort of isolated. It’s the one that truly stands out differently.
I don’t think there’s a bad choice here - all solid flagships that can take the student anywhere.
Take a bow @GG_2024 for navigating your son not just through an academic journey that resulted in this many merit-added admits but possessing the willingness to manage the application landscape for all these schools. Nicely done.
If you’re Maryland in-state, you may want to find the time for a Richmond daytrip. $25k is a really nice deal there. Jugging twins heading into college isn’t cheap for anyone. My guess is that 'Bama gives you what U_SC offers for 1/2 the price. UMD hasn’t been an easy admit for many in recent years. FSU made you a nice offer as well. I think it’s down to those four.
My strongest recommendation would be to go see Richmond soon as you two get a chance.
OP, congrats to your son on terrific school options to choose from. May I ask what kind of scholarship he received from Richmond to bring the cost from $82K to $25K with no need based dollars? My S24 was accepted to Richmond but the awarded merit was disappointing and we moved on to other options on the table.
Congratulations on having so many wonderful options with great merit awards! He can’t go wrong, so hopefully he will find a school that makes him excited!
If he likes languages, International Business at South Carolina is fantastic (ranked #1 for years) and honors provides direct admission to the major, which is otherwise highly competitive. The business school is very good for what your son wants.
I can’t speak to all your options, but my S24 is leaning towards South Carolina Honors and it is a really great program. There are hundreds of small honors classes, advisors, great dorms, and student activities. Plenty to do without going Greek. We also have loved exploring Columbia. The campus is surrounded by lots of shops and restaurants, is right by the State House, there is a river in walking distance.
We toured Richmond and initially loved it. It definitely is a wonderful school if your son likes the small LAC experience. Greek life is prominent from what we understand. Campus is set in a gorgeous suburban area, but it is not within walking distance of anything to do off campus.
So grateful for all the wonderful feedback. I’ve read and reread each post and wanted to provide some clarification (as much as I can get out of S24).
Why such a variety of schools?
Being flexible, he prioritized schools with good academics and the chance of receiving good merit scholarships.
Where does he want to live?
Flexible. Would also be open to abroad.
Richmond - Based on your suggestions, we’re going to visit this week. Note: stand corrected regarding price posted: S24 received a “need based grant” that brought the price down. Sorry for the confusion.
Not to throw a wrench in things, but the following are schools he’s still waiting to hear back from. Most are reaches. Are there any that if S24 was admitted to that we should put to the top of the list?
Johns Hopkins
Northwestern
WashU
William & Mary
Georgetown - deferred
UVA - waitlisted
