Hello, I’m wondering about the weight of an out-of-state Graduate degree, as I live in Los Angeles, California and do not plan to move away in the future. The highest ranked schools, UCLA and USC are unfortunately out of reach for my test scores.
So I was accepted to an MBA program at the University of Illinois - Urbana Champaign (Online), and I was also accepted at Pepperdine University (Part-Time). But USnews has Urbana Champaign ranked 25 spots higher than my local college at #40 vs. #65 and Illinois also has a much lower acceptance rate.
What makes it more enticing, is that Illinois is 22k, while Pepperdine is 70k.
Looking ahead, would it be better to have a degree from a higher rank out of state school or from a mid tier local college? Do out of state schools still hold their weight?
All opinions are welcome. Thank you.
I’m sure others will have better answers, but the out-of-state part wouldn’t bother me at all. The online part, though … that’s where you need an expert opinion.
You have to ask yourself a few questions.Why do you want an MBA? Do you want to continue in your present industry?
In what way do you want an MBA to help you? In what way do you want your MBA program to help you achieve your goals?
A lot of people spend money acquiring MBA degrees and then find out that it doesn’t really help them towards achieving their goals.
The quality of instruction could be fantastic but, IMHO the on-line programs don’t get a lot of credibility yet. , Right or wrong, there are still lots of grey-hairs like me doing the hiring. I simply haven’t had memorably positive experiences with many of their grads.
Most employers don’t have much time to research MBA programs. They are probably familiar with only top programs that are more than a few hundred miles from them. Practically speaking, a candidate from a school ranked 80 but, 50 miles away probably beats on ranked 30 but 1500 miles away. The on-line component would make that spread wider.
So, If you want to work in So Cal long term, a less selective So Cal school would probably serve you better - especially if you plan to attend full time and won’t be working. Since there’s a local rep and an established alumni base, you are in a much better position to lock down a local internship and local post-grad employment coming from a known, local school…
Peperdine is a good school with a GREAT view but, i just don’t see the ROI
Maybe submit another round of applications.next year, casting a wider net - don’t know your qualifications but, if you got into Peperdine, SDSU, CP SLO and CSULB have well respected programs that are probably within reach. UCR and UCI are also worth an application.
Good luck
Thank you very much for your thorough answer. Those are all great points and exactly what I was thinking! I am actually considering another round, with USC and UCI as priorities. My credentials would qualify for them, gpa wise, but I need a 70 point increase on my GMAT score, 530 to 600, which I could likely pull off. The only thing is the time lost in waiting another year for them, but it may be worth it.
I appreciate the opinion and feedback!!
To be admitted to USC Marshall, your GMAT score needs to be closer to 700. Part-time programs can be lower, but I 600 is still too low for part-time.
Yeah, part time is the one I’d go for. I contacted them and actually it’s only 600 average. It’s a bit of a backdoor the university.