Hey guys! I just really need help, as I am being indecisive and just want some third party perspective before my August 1st decision deadline.
A little background: I am a CCC transfer student, and got my associates in Business Administration. I will have to pull out private loans for either school.
I got into UCLA for Fall 2015 as a Sociology major. I would want to minor in accounting, but it seems hard to get into and I can’t apply until after two quarters. Financially, it would cost around $50,000 for two years.
I got into USC Marshall School of Business for Spring 2016. I am bummed it’s for spring instead of fall, and financially it would cost around $120,000 for two years.
I am just wondering if major is important? I have heard USC’s alumni connections are outstanding, so is the debt worth it? I need a job right out of college and I am worried a Sociology major at UCLA does not have the potential as an USC business major. Sociology while interesting, does not fascinate me like business. But, is the debt worth it for USC? Or does a UCLA Sociology major have the same opportunities?
Any kind insight would be appreciated, and thank you so much in advance!
Can you really get out of UCLA in 2 years with the accounting minor? If not, you need to add the cost of the extra quarter(s) to do your cost comparison.
Job-wise I’d fully expect USC business > UCLA sociology.
You could also consider going to UCLA for undergrad and then going to USC for a masters in accounting or taxation. With your accounting minor, it would likely be a one (academic) year masters program.
I looks like USC is an extra $70K debt over 2 years compared to UCLA. With the extra debt, I would take UCLA over USC. Many UCLA students minor in accounting (assuming you want to take the CPA route) and have been able to fulfill the course requirements to take the CPA exam, which now requires an extra 30 semester units or 45 quarter units beyond the units required for a bachelor’s degree. Many students fulfill this by taking extra courses, including accounting, at a community college, extension program or a 1 year Masters in Accounting offered at USC or some of the CSU’s or other private colleges.
Keep in mind that jobs for business majors and accounting majors are very competitive, which means you should try to get the best grades possible. Also get experience through summer internship jobs.
You can also get an MBA, even if your undergraduate degree is in sociology. Generally, you would need a few years of work experience to get into a top 20 to 25 MBA school.