Acturial Science - Penn State or UIUC

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hi, one of my students, wishes to get into actuarial science. He has received calls from Penn State as well as UIUC. I would be much obliged if someone would enlighten about which of these two colleges is the best to become an actuarial. </p>

2

<p>No expert on that here, but I would think they are highly comparable. They are comparable schools each being the flagship research university of their respective states. Each are named one of 12 Center for Actuarial Excellence by the Society of Actuaries. As with most college selection, there often isn’t a clear ‘best’ but rather ‘best for you’ when looking at strong programs. There are other considerations like cost, location, culture to be taken into account. Also I suggest looking at the actual program for each.</p>

<p>UIUC has some advising notes from the Math dept that gives insight to the program, with a sample schedule
<a href=“http://www.math.uiuc.edu/~gorvett/actprob/advising.pdf”>http://www.math.uiuc.edu/~gorvett/actprob/advising.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>This PSU Actuarial Club page has links to sample schedules for Actuarial students depending on department business/math/stats
<a href=“Penn State Actuarial Science - Home”>Penn State Actuarial Science - Home;

3

<p>The one that’s lower cost for the student. Just half kidding. Both can prepare students for the actuary tests. The student would be out of state for at least one.</p>

4

<p>I’d also go with the lower cost one. And check out St. Joe’s in Philadelphia. They have an excellent actuarial science program and for good students will usually have final costs lower than Penn State, in state. Although SJU doesn’t really have a national reputation, it would offer excellent networking and job prospects in Philadelphia.</p>

5

<p>The one with lower net costs would be the best one, and I’m not kidding.</p>

6

<p>Did either of those calls include a formal acceptance for admission? If not, he should apply to both places, and then when he finds out if he actually is admitted to both, and any aid packages offered, he can decide.</p>

7

<p>DD is applying to schools for actuarial science also. The PSU program is through their Risk Management program. We are not familiar with UIUC. See beanactuary.com for information regarding test requirements. There is no specific degree requirement to sit for the tests, although there are certain classes which will better prepare students.</p>

8

<p>I really thank all of you for your excellent and most useful feedback which will help me guide my student.</p>

9

<p>No, not yet. But if he has to join UCIC, it will be in summer and Penn State, it will be in spring. So his parents and me are in a dilemma. </p>

10

<p>Thanks for the link pacpac.</p>

11

<p>Thanks for your reply and those valuable links. Thanks all for your valuable comments.</p>

12

<p>Both are equally respected. UIUC is in the Midwest, Penn State in the East. Typically that would mean better weather at Penn State but I’m not even sure that’s true here, and more laid back people at UIUC but, again, not sure whether that’s true. Penn State has allegedly the best alumni network and it’s within 5 hours of New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and DC, with weekend buses, so that may be a plus. Overall, though, I’d pick whichever one is cheaper, since quality are atmosphere are very similar.</p>