Just curious how good the programs here are or if I would be better off at Iowa State
While I can’t provide you with the information you’re looking for, a good rule of thumb when comparing two schools for a specific major, is to reach out to the targeted schools and ask the the same questions of the department you’re interested in.
See how fast they respond, as well as looking at their answers for clues as to what being a student there may be like and what opportunities they’re proud of offering their students.
Your questions might include:
- How many students in this major?
- Do students have access to classes in other, complementary departments, such as business/marketing or Communications/PR?
- Is the curriculum theoretical or experiential? If experiential, are there ‘field work’ requirements?
- Do student easily find related internships, or related on-campus jobs?
- Which companies recruit the graduates from this school?
- How many of your graduates are employed within the Hospitality field within six-months of graduation? Are there any employment successes of graduating students that your department is proud of?
After you email you the questions regarding the programs that are important to you, be sure to either visit or revisit the campus. Sometimes you just get a ‘gut’ feel for one over the other.
The other data point to look at is financial. Are the schools comparable in price? If not, then you’ll need to factor price into your comparisons.
Example: The net cost at school ‘A’ is $25k, while the net cost at school ‘B’ is $45k. Are the professors, opportunities and curriculum at school ‘B’ really worth the extra $80k to me over the course of four years?
While the answer could be yes, it all depends on family finances and what your future plans are.
Good luck.