Graduate school selection: to attend prestigious institution or not?

College Search & Selection
1

Hi Everyone!

I will be graduating in one month with my Bachelor’s in molecular biology and was fortunate enough to get accepted to my top 2 choices for a Master’s program in bioinformatics.

University A: out of state public institution, 2 - 3 year program

University B: out of state private institution, 1 - 2 year program

University B is an elite school (in the top 20 in the US). I’m not sure if this matters but their master’s program is relatively new (only a few years old), but the program is still amazing regardless.

University A is great as well, it’s just not prestigious. Their program is known for being great nonetheless.

The curricula at both schools is exactly what I am looking for. However, University B offers only evening and weekend which will allow me to work while in graduate school, which is exactly what I want. University A does not offer this. Also, University B is aimed for individuals who want to pursue a career in industry which is also what I want. Aside from the name being prestigious, these two factors push me to attending University B. The only downfall is the price. University B is about 20k more than University A.

My question is, is attending a prestigious university for graduate school going to give me a boost in the professional world? Does the reputation of graduate school have an impact on my future? Any advice would really be helpful.

Thank you.

2

Overall prestige of a university doesn’t matter for grad school. What matters is the relative marketability of the specific graduate program…

3

Prestige is more important for graduate schools vs undergrad. Looking at your post it seems obvious that University B is the right school for you. I guess the question is can you afford the extra 20K? My guess is yes.

4

Without specifics, I don’t know who can answer and how.

5

@CU123 Prestige is very specific by program for grad schools, though. And it matters more if you want to work in academia, which the OP does not.

6

Does prestige matter for graduate school in general for the science industry? That’s my overall question.

7

@PurpleTitan Does the prestige of graduate school matter for the science industry? That’s my overall question.

8

IMO, rigor would. Not so much prestige, though they are correlated.

9

@PurpleTitan Thank you! Yes, University B is a rigorous school.