Fairfield University, UMass Amherst, Loyola MD University
So for fairfield I like its location, it has a nice reputation, very pretty, good business programs…VERY expensive, very small, no relevant D1 sports and I feel like the people that attend are rich snobs
(Loyola is really the same but 4 hours from my home)
Umass: Pro–good distance from home, might be the cheapest option, fun D1 sports, I feel like it is academically a good match Cons–unattractive campus, iffy reputation, very big… I am ultimately worried about how my degree would look from Umass
I don’t think a degree from Fairfield or Loyola carries more cachet than UMass Amherst nor would I consider UMass having an iffy reputation. If you are truly indifferent, I’d go with the cheapest option.
We hire tons of graduates from UMass Amherst (in computer science – a high tech company). The fact that we keep hiring them speaks about our experience with the ones that we have already hired.
As a mother of a Fairfield senior at the top of her business class, I would urge you to take a second look at UMass - particularly if you were able to get into the business school there. Fairfield does very little for their graduates in terms of helping them find employment, and a recent concern is whether a Fairfield diploma carries the weight that they claim it does in the corporate world. Choose carefully.
UMass Amherst has a very good reputation on the west coast, and I expect the same is true in other areas of the country. Try not to be influenced by the archaic attitude that some people in the northeast have against public universities. These are not the people who will be hiring you. People in the business world will give it respect.
They are all fine schools but from your own words, it sounds to me like UMass is the best fit for you. Why would you pay more to be with people you don’t seem to feel happy being around?
@vedo1126 my son is considering Fairfield’s business school. My one reason for favoring Bentley Univ is their history of connecting their students with internships. I am guessing from your post Fairfield does not do such a good job with that. That is disappointing to hear but very important to know. Any other pros/cons about Fairfield you could share?
UMass is a good school in its own right, and if you attend it, you can also take some classes at Amherst, Smith, My Holyoke and Hampshire. If it were me, I’d maybe take an English class at Amherst, Poli Sci at Smith (or vice-versa), maybe ride some horses (?) at Holyoke and try out one of the presumably really challenging classes at Hampshire. (they have smart kids and like a 60% grad rate – it must be really hard)
@NELily I was very curious about this too because everything I have read and heard is Fairfield is very good regarding career development/placement. I also don’t take one or two peoples experiences and assume that’s the case for the entire school however if I continue to read/hear the same complaint over and over then I have to think there’s some truth to it.