I think I have a new #1....UMiami (FL), Indiana University

<p>Well for the last year and a half, the University of Miami has been my dream school. They have Business, Communications, and Sport Management (all of my potential majors), warm weather, amazing beaches, South Beach, and an amazing football scene. UMiami is perfect!</p>

<p>But now, I'm thinking Indiana University may be my new favorite. While everything at UMiami sounds great....I'm starting to love the idea of going to a picturesque college town, and have the Big 10 experience. The idea of having my life revolved around my school is very appealing. And I'm thinking the Midwest and the snowy climate would be a great change.</p>

<p>I know cost will be a major factor down the road, but I'm just wondering your thoughts. In your opinion, would you rather have the UMiami or the Indiana University college experience?</p>

<p>Thanks....</p>

<p>Indiana is awesome. Gorgeous campus, quaint and safe college town, friendly and down-to-earth students and great school spirit. If you like Indiana, you should also check out Wisconsin-Madison.</p>

<p>How will cost be a major factor down the road? Even out-of-state, IU-Bloomington is a much cheaper school than the University of Miami.</p>

<p>But UMiami is private, and gives much more aid to out-of-state students.</p>

<p>UMiami: Up and coming academically; many, many students on merit scholarships that could easily have gone to more prestigious schools, excellent internships/job opportunities</p>

<p>Indiana: Kelley is tops, overall school has very high acceptance rate, known around these parts as a huge party school</p>

<p>IMO, what Miami was perceived as maybe 10-20 years ago.......</p>

<p>Ditto on Wisconsin-Madison (and we've toured all three schools).</p>

<p>Indiana did make someone's list for "happiest students" this year.</p>

<p>I'd choose Indiana.</p>

<p>Indiana football players don't use their helmets as weapons against opponents. :D</p>

<p>This is tough. Indiana is cheaper to the tune of about $10,000 per year (which is not chump change),but from what I heard about Indiana, Miami has a more nurturing environment and more options within majors to take courses/ double major etc. In addition, Bloomington, Indiana is NOT Miami Florida. Miami has a LOT more to offer as a city and has MUCH better weather.Check out Indiana's web site. You will see lots of snow.</p>

<p>Also, I have found that state schools tend to grade a bit lower than their private school counterparts since private schools obviously have a vested interest in keeping their kids paying tuition. </p>

<p>Moreover, Miami is really on the rise as a school. </p>

<p>Finally, it depends on where you want to work. If you want contacts in the midwest and Indiana, go to Indiana. However, if you want jobs and contacts in Florida or even the east coast, you will be better off with Miami, in my opinion.</p>

<p>You should visit each school and get a feel for their culture. They are very different schools.</p>

<p>I should also note that Miami has significantly higher academic standards. Thus, you will find that Miami has a much sharper median student and even has sharper kids at the lower end due to having higher minimim academic qualifications. This may translate into having tougher, more challenging courses and higher expectations. Thus, you might get a better education. Whether it is worth $10,000 more per year ( assuming no scholarships) is the question.</p>

<p>My son who is at UM has a friend who just transferred from Indiana to UM. Not sure of the reasons. The other friend he has that went to Indiana dropped out. So, my vote goes to UM, but it depends what you are looking for in a school.</p>

<p>Well, like previous poster(s) said, IU has an amazing business school. The base cost is also less. However, UMiami's cost may turn out to be less depending on the financial package you receive. If you qualify for, or think you may win, one of Miami's large merit scholarships, Miami may be the way to go. IU offers very little merit aid for OOS students. Miami will open up numerous job/internship opportunities for you. Indiana, however, is located....well,not in a city! I think you should apply to both schools and see how things turn out. Don't rush the issue. Keep your options open.</p>

<p>I've visited both schools, and while I enjoy sun and surf, I love the atmosphere of a college town with a classic college feel. I'd take IU, hand down.</p>

<p>I'd personally choose Miami. As fun as college towns are, I don't think I'd enjoy living in rural Indiana for 5 years (graduating from a state school in 4 years is fairly rare).</p>

<p>Location aside, Miami also has a better overall reputation.</p>

<p>Bloomington's not really rural - it's within an hour driving distance of Indianapolis (one of the largest cities in the U.S.).</p>

<p>Please, an hour outside of a city in bad weather IS rural!</p>

<p>I live in a small town in Nebraska - I think I know rural. Bloomington isn't a small town... it has 70,000 people, which means it'll provide the basic necessities PLUS some form of entertainment. Now if the weather's bad enough, you could live INSIDE Indianapolis and not be able to get to another point of the city.. that's a mute point.</p>

<p>Oh, and it's an hour into the middle of the city. in reality, you're about 35 miles outside the suburbs.</p>

<p>I'm biased in two ways.. There's more than a 75% chance I'm going to go to IU in a couple year.. But I hate rural Indiana and the weather.. However; that's not a good reason in my mind..</p>

<p>You could be in Florida and deal with Hurricanes, or be in Indiana and deal with Snow and Fog. I haven't yet been to visit IUB, but I've heard Bloomington has "stuff to do", granted I'm sure it's no Miami, or Nashville, or NYC, or LA... However; it's close enough, weather permitting, to get to Indianapolis.. Or if you're up for it Chicago if you must get to somewhere happenin'</p>

<p>Ehh...having to drive through the snow for over an hour just to get into the city isn't exactly what I'd call "close". Some people may not mind the location, but someone who grew up in a major metropolitan would have a hard time adjusting. </p>

<p>My main concern though would arise with the issue of internships. I can't imagine that there's much industry aside from in the city (which is an hour away).</p>