<p>Hey guys, I need help in differentiating between the opportunities offered to a Dartmouth alumnus and a University of South Carolina alumnus. In regard to a major such as math/finance/business, how would a degree from Dartmouth compare to a degree from University of South Carolina, assuming the financial aid offer from Dartmouth is great, but the one from USC is even better.</p>
<p>You really can’t compare these two at all. Dartmouth is one of the best schools in the country, with arguably among the top few schools at best business/ finance placement. You will get opportunities from Dartmouth that almost no one from South Carolina will get. For business grades matter much less, prestige is pretty much the most important piece. Dartmouth will take you places that South Carolina cannot possible take you, even if you were the valedictorian of the school. The top firms just won’t be visiting South Carolina. Your whole career trajectory will be different. Dartmouth is worth every penny.</p>
<p>The OP is trying to convince his reluctant parents that Dartmouth College is worth $1500/year more out of pocket than the University of South Carolina. See his other recent thread, in which he tells us his parents “hate northern attitudes/people, and dislike the prestige/richness of the ivy league schools”. </p>
<p>He might want to point out to his parents that Dartmouth is the smallest and most rural of the Ivy League schools. It is located in a picturesque setting in New Hampshire, the “live free or die” state that has no general sales tax and no taxes on wage income, and which has voted Republican in 6 of the last 10 presidential elections. The right-wing collegeguide.org gives Dartmouth its “green light”, one of only two Ivy League schools to get that rating. Approximately 10% of Dartmouth students represent the first generation of their families to attend college. More than 60% receive financial aid. Less than half come from the New England or Mid-Atlantic states.</p>
<p>In 2009, 2010, and 2011, US News ranked Dartmouth first in undergraduate teaching among all national universities. Famous alumni include former Republican presidential candidate Nelson Rockefeller, conservative commentators Paul Gigot and Laura Ingraham, Theodore Geisel (a.k.a. Dr. Seuss), C. Everett Koop (former Surgeon General under Ronald Reagan), and Fred Rogers (TV’s “Mr. Rogers”). According to Wikipedia, in 2010 payscale.com ranked Dartmouth “first in producing CEOs of for-profit companies, out of all undergraduate programs at United States universities”.</p>
<p>You can get a good education at USC. It has produced its share of highly successful alumni. It seems to have especially strong programs in international business. It would be easier for a top student to stand out at USC than at Dartmouth. There may well be advantages to staying in state and closer to home (especially with fewer work-study obligations). However, for a smart ambitious student, Dartmouth represents a more competitive arena, one that draws students from all over the country and educates them for leadership in a national marketplace. </p>
<p>I recommend the OP try to be clear-headed and not too emotional in weighing this decision with his family. It is natural for parents to take pride in local institutions and to want to keep their kids close to home.</p>
<p>It all depends on where the OP wants to work when he/she graduates. If its South Carolina, then Dartmouth will get a shrug while USC will get a nod. </p>
<p>South Carolina has a superb international business program that is consistently rated number one. South Carolina also is home to many multinational companies, including Boeing, Michelin, BMW, major pharmaceuticals, other foreign auto makers.</p>
<p>If you want to work on wallstreet, Dartmouth is the better choice.</p>
<p>admitone, Thank you! That’s what I thought and assumed:Dartmouth is better for the careers I want.</p>
<p>sovereigndebt, Ironically, working on wall street or something of the sort is my #1 right now, so that definitely factors into my thinking that Dartmouth is better. And I definitely don’t want to work in the South, haha. So I believe it is better that I go.</p>
<p>tk, the data-point that Dartmouth is “first in producing CEOs” is truly compelling. I honestly doubt I could be happy at USC with all that’s in Dartmouth’s favor.</p>