Better school or better price?

Parents Forum
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<p>So, I thought I’d have it all figured out by now. How further from the truth could I be? I have heard opinions from peers, parents, and advisors, but I’m still lost. I’m curious to hear other parents’ opinions.</p>

<p>As of now, I’m looking for a career in advertising and have narrowed down where I’m going next year (more or less) to two places: Boston University and Pace University in New York City. I know what your impulse decision probably is, but here’s the situation:</p>

<p>Pros to going to Pace start with MONEY. I’ve been given $13,000, a laptop, research stipend, study abroad, etc. to attend their Honors College. Also, its location is great and I’m stuck on going to Manhattan to jump-start my career through internship or co-op (which is available at Pace). People have suggested that NYC is a much better location for advertising. Simply, I feel like I belong there for many reasons.</p>

<p>However, many people have told me that the reputation of the school isn’t so great. I’ve heard though, that business is the strongest program there. In any case, it is my hope to be challenged in the presence of many bright and talented students. I don’t know if this is the case at Pace. Someone said that it might be a good thing to be among the finest at a college rather than just a number in a sea of talent elsewhere. Is this true? Also, if I go to Pace, I will be majoring in marketing (with a specialization in advertising). This can either be a drawback or a good thing, depending on how it’s evaluated. I’m certain that I want to be involved with business, but I’m afraid I might change my mind about specifics.</p>

<p>I love Boston University, and I’m fortunate for the opportunity to study at COM. However, it is quite pricey. They gave me an $8000 grant, but it almost feels like a drop in the bucket. I did not receive federal financial aid, but I will still be paying off loans forever if I go to BU. This is why I’m wondering if going there is worth the cost.</p>

<p>Many people argue that a degree is a degree, and school prestige will only matter at the “first job”. How much truth is there to this statement? I’m not only looking at reputation, but also the quality of education that I will get. If communications weren’t of the strongest at BU, I probably wouldn’t consider it.</p>

<p>If it helps, Northeastern, Fordham (Lincoln Center), and possibly Emerson are my other options. I’m looking for any advice, and being that this is the CC Forum, I’m sure I’ll get some substantial insight. Thanks so much!</p>

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<p>You are asking the right questions. But you are also the only one who can answer them. </p>

<p>If advertising were your only goal, I'd take the Pace option, as the ad world is a NYC world, and your ability to connect with a company is so much better being in town. Truth is, your chances of an ad career are much more dependent on making a personal connection with an individual at a firm, and then showing them you can do something. Many of the ad world skills are not taught at any U.</p>

<p>Now for the other side: A good college would open your eyes to many other career prospects. Heck, you might even find something you love more than the ad world. This makes me vote for another place. Did Northeastern offer you any fin aid? Their coop program is pretty good, and it is an up and coming place, in a pretty good location to boot. I would put it high on your list.</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>

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<p>NYC is the Communication and Media capital of the world including advertising. I say NYC is where you want to be to advance your career early on especially if you choose to attend Pace. This is not a knock on Pace but you may have to work harder to create promising professional opportunities from a school with a marginal reputation v. Boston U or Fordham or Emerson, which are not only more notable in the Communication field, but well regarded in general.</p>

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<p>Thank both of you very much. You've helped solidify my thoughts :)</p>

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<p>Hard choices. If you end of paying off student loans they will be so spread out that the money difference may be less than you think and if you get a better job that will go along way in having those finances availble. What are your stats? will you be mid-range at BU? Academics there are challenging. NYC is the hub for advertising though. Well, the good news is that all are excellent schools and you'll do fine no matter which you choose. Attend the accepted student days in April and see if those experiences help tip the scales.</p>