Final 3 for business?

S20 will be a business major. Probably some type of Marketing/Analytics combination. He’s narrowed it down to 3 choices. Budget was $35k/year which is what our in-state flagships cost. Willing and able to go higher with some sacrifice but won’t impact retirement or incur debt. Only concern is grad or law school is a possibility.

Any suggestions or comments appreciated. Thanks.

Temple. In-state. University and Fox Business Honors. COA about $20k/year with merit. Impressed with Fox honors program. Liked campus but a little concerned about area around campus (read thru many threads on CC).

SMU. BBA Scholar and Hilltop Honors. COA $45k/year with merit. Haven’t visited yet. Trying to arrange something but difficult under current conditions. Concerned about heavy Greek influence. Not really his thing. Nice kid and personable but not an extrovert either.

Georgia Tech. COA $50k/year. Been to Atlanta and campus but no formal visit. Hasn’t shown his cards yet but I suspect his first choice. Seems like his tribe based on feedback and interaction on Facebook.

All 3 likely do well in local recruiting. Careers that are prestige driven (IB, MC) are likely to be difficult from all. Law school admissions would be the same from all three. Many would question the value of an MBA on top of a BBA. A mid career EMBA would be different but then the BBA school would not matter. I think the biggest difference is where the first job is likely to be located. This is in addition to the obvious cost difference.

Agree that an MBA on top of a bachelors degree in business is a bit redundant; better to earn a one year specialty masters degree.

The campus culture at Temple versus SMU are quite different. Understand your concerns about the neighboring areas to Temple.

As the cost difference is substantial, any other options ?

While Temple is the easy choice, esp if he decides to stay in the NY Philly area after college with the lowest price tag, he is in the honors college which it a big deal, the neighbor around Temple is not great but w common sense he should be fine. Biggest thing for me would be saving a good amount of cash for grad school or law school. If you think that is more Ethan likely gonna happen I would go w Temple. Based on your budget can you/ will you pay the extra $$$ needed for SMU or GT?

Thanks for the replies. I’m indifferent to all three. Each one has pros and cons. I was somewhat surprised how much I liked Temple. GT is great except it doesn’t have the greatest rep for student happiness. SMU checks all the boxes on paper except the Greek life and country club atmosphere although I’m sure he could find similar kids.

MBA is not in the picture. We discussed that early. No need for it in today’s world with a solid BA in business. Law or grad school is on the table.

He’s a pretty practical person. He understands the benefits of a lower COA like Temple. We can manage the other schools but there won’t be anything left over for grad or law school.

He got into other good business programs but not enough merit (UMiami and Fordham). The only other viable option is Pitt. Logically it makes too much sense. We live in Pittsburgh and I’m an alum but he wants to leave the area.

Really not a bad choice in the lot. I think I’m at the point of stepping away. He needs to choose on his own.

Seems as though Temple is the best option based on COA & business honors.

Not sure as to whether or not an undergraduate major in business is appropriate preparation for law school.

@Publisher Agree. When he mentioned law school I did a double-take. For some legal disciplines I suppose it makes sense but overall a curious mix. Good problems to have.

The good thing about the entire process is listening to your kids. It’s difficult thinking of them as young men with ideas of their own instead of the little kids you’ve raised for the past 18 years. I’ve been listening more and talking less. Lol.