Berkeley vs. Stanford for Finance/Economics

<p>The big dilemma here for me is that I really wanted to go to an Undergraduate Business Program and major in Finance. Haas is very prestigious and has good career opportunities. If I went to Stanford, I would have to go with Economics. I like the more practical side of Finance opposed to the ideological side of Economics. However, I am not dead set on pursuing business, so Stanford gives me more options but Berkeley's Undergrad Business Program doesn't start until Junior year so I would have some freedom there too. </p>

<p>In my case, the prices for both are relatively the same. Berkeley actually being $3,000 higher a year than Stanford.</p>

<p>Thoughts?</p>

<p>I’m a Berkeley guy and loved it. But, seriously, take Stanford econ (It’s cheaper for you too). You can get an MBA later. I’m not thrilled with the idea of an MBA-lite for undergrad.</p>

<p>Thanks for the thoughts! I agree…I do not feel you can adequately fit a business degree in two years. However, I was hoping to short-cut out of grad school.</p>

<p>Will a major in Economics lead as readily into a job as say a financial analyst as a major in Finance?</p>

<p>^ Yes, most definitely…especially a Stanford degree.</p>

<p>IMO, economics is a better undergraduate degree because you can go into so many different industries and fields, from non-profits to govt. think-tanks, to industry and academia.</p>

<p>STANFORD, duh</p>

<p>UCB - Thanks so much! I was definitely leaning towards Stanford but was unsure if I was putting prestige above my major of choice. I am happy to hear Stanford is the better choice in this scenario!</p>

<p>^ Just don’t get too upset when we keep the Axe this year after the Big Game. :)</p>

<p>Have fun! Welcome to California!</p>

<p>There is only one undergrad business program that would be preferred to a HYPSM econ degree, and that is Wharton.</p>

<p>Yea…I’m actually kind of thankful I was waitlisted to Penn otherwise this choice would be impossible for me. (Most of my relatives live in Cali and my family intends to move there so I wanted to go to college there if possible.) If by some freak chance I get off the Penn waitlist then you can be sure I’ll be back on this forum…</p>