<p>I got into gabelli school of business in Fordham, but division of undergraduate education (undecided major) in UCI. I'm planning to study business, so if I go to UCI, I will need to transfer to UCI business school later.(?) I heard that UCI has a better reputation and is cheaper, but I really like New York. So, anyone can give me more detailed info about these two schools? Overall, which undergrad business is better? What about job opportunities after graduating? How's the location of Fordham, is it safe?
Thanks!</p>
<p>@mumiiy. Congratulations on being admitted to two fine institutions! </p>
<p>A little advice to start with, if I may be so bold. Please don’t make your decision on reputation. It is highly subjective, and really depends on who you ask or what publication you read. The question you need to answer is which school is the best fit for you? This is something only you can decide, and it will be based on many things such as the program you are interested in, the environment, the culture, your budget, and so on.</p>
<p>What source informed you that UCI undergrad business has a better reputation that Fordham? If you were to survey potential employers in NYC I’m sure they wouldn’t have that opinion, and many wouldn’t even know where Irvine is located… I’m from SoCal so I can say this:-). Check out the latest best undergrad business program rankings from Bloomberg Businessweek, Gabelli is now ranked at 40. I don’t think UCI even made the list… Again, take rankings with a very skeptical view…</p>
<p>UCI will be cheaper in state, so I’m assuming you are in Ca. Have you considered that the 4 year graduation rate at UCI is 50%, meaning that you may likely pay more for your bachelors than just 4 x tuition + room & board. Fordham’s 4 yr rate is about 74%, much better. How big will your classes be, and will you get to know your profs? At Fordham classes tend to be quite small (relatively) and you have a great opportunity to get to know your instructors. </p>
<p>Fordham has a great business school that is highly respected in NYC (which for many is considered the business center of the world). In NYC Fordham grads are sought after, there are good internship opportunities, and they are recruited. You will likely get internship(s) in NYC if you attend Fordham (nothing in life is guaranteed), but how likely is it that UCI will be able to help you find an internship? Given the size of NYC vs Irvine your odds are much better in NYC, and these days you really want that internship on your CV when you graduate. </p>
<p>Have you visited both schools? You really cannot decide about a school without having visited. No amount of reading or advice received will substitute for your first hand impression and knowledge (i.e. facts). If you can’t visit NYC for financial reasons, ask your admissions officer if they can connect you with a few business school recent grads to let you know their impression on the education as well as internship potential and job outlook.</p>
<p>Safety. It’s another relative term. Irvine is a suburban area, and relatively affluent. The crime rate is low. Fordham (business) is in the Bronx, a working class area (but a beautiful campus). It’s no different than the area around USC, or many other cities surrounding top ranked schools (Duke, Yale, University of Chicago, Johns Hopkins, WashU St Louis - all have sketchy areas around them). Big cities have more crime, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t safe. You just need to think to avoid crime vs having not to think about it in Irvine. Don’t walk at 2AM by yourself, leave the Rolex and $400 sneakers and bling at home, be aware of who is around you, etc. This goes for all big cities in the world BTW…</p>
<p>Do your homework first, then go with your gut on where you will be happiest!</p>