I’m a HS senior Illinois resident, soon to be finance /accounting major. I’ve narrowed it down to these three: been accepted to Illinois general studies but not to their business school, accepted to Iowa’s business school and to Alabama (honors college). Merit scholarships from Alabama and Iowa actually make it cheaper to attend there vs my home state school grrr.
Taking tuition out of the equation, from an academic standpoint would there be any standout choice here? Have visited all three and loved Alabama although I wouldn’t know anyone else there vs having friends at other two.
Illinois has one of the largest OOS continegents at UA. I’m sure if you attend there you will make friends quickly enough just by arranging carpools to and from school during the holidays.
“Taking tuition out of the equation, from an academic standpoint would there be any standout choice here?”
If you cannot see the differences in academics between these three schools, then you should just choose the one you like best.
rjkofnovi thanks for the sarcasm. My question is to those with a background in accounting- which degree from the previously mentioned schools may ultimately lead to the best opportunities?
As far as perceived reputation, UIUC is hands down the best school of the three for accounting or finance. However, if you want to major in accounting or finance and are not admitted to the business college at UIUC, that’s a big problem! None of the listed schools are like the Ivies where you can major in Greek pottery and get a job with a major consulting firm or I-bank. The other thing about perceived reputation is that it might not have anything to do with reality.
If you want to major in accounting, you might want to consult the Public Accounting Report, (published by CCH Wolters Kluwer) which has been ranking college accounting programs for 33 years. For undergraduate programs UIUC is ranked #2 in the country, Alabama is ranked #8 and Iowa is ranked #28. For masters programs UIUC is again ranked #2, Alabama is again ranked #8 and Iowa is #22. What does this mean? UIUC has one of the top accounting programs in the nation, but Bama and Iowa are well ranked and very respectable. These type of accounting-specific ratings also mean that the Big 4 accounting firms recruit heavily at all of these highly ranked programs.
I’m a CPA working at a bank commerical bank in Chicago. Obviously we have many UIUC alums on staff. We also have a large number Iowa alums - given the popularity of Iowa schools with Illinois students who can’t stand Chambana. We also have several Bama alums, a couple are in fairly high positions, though not nearly as many as UIUC or Iowa. This isn’t due to any reputation issue, they were instead recruited to come work at our bank from other institutions in Atlanta, Birmingham, Charlotte etc. Rather this reflects the regional nature of recruiting for all but the largest national businesses. The regional issue can be partially offset at the Big 4 and some national companies that have processes for “referring” good on-campus candidates to other offices. Of course, nothing is guaranteed, but these referrals do occur.
I would just advise caution about attending a school where you have not been accepted into the field you want to study based upon some hope that you will be able to transfer in at a later date. Some of the forums here on CC are filled with sob stories about "I didn’t get accepted into Kelley… or Ross… or Farmer… etc and all I’m interested in is business. You don’t want to have to transfer after a couple years because you can’t major in the field you want.
thanks Bear…exactly the kind of input I’m looking for
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For undergraduate programs UIUC is ranked #2 in the country, Alabama is ranked #8 and Iowa is ranked #28. For masters programs UIUC is again ranked #2, Alabama is again ranked #8 and Iowa is #22.
What does this mean? UIUC has one of the top accounting programs in the nation, but Bama and Iowa are well ranked and very respectable.
These type of accounting-specific ratings also mean that the Big 4 accounting firms recruit heavily at all of these highly ranked programs.
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Absolutely! And if you loved Alabama, then…Roll Tide!
@tommytrik - my daughter is part of the Land of Lincoln contingent at Bama and in the Honors College. She absolutely loves it - its hard to get her back on break! She is pre-med so the regional recruiting issue does not impact her. Since she is still considered an Illinois resident, UIC Medical is probably one of her best options - but pre-meds bascially have to apply everywhere. She also has plenty of friends at UIUC and Iowa who are very happy.
If working in Chicago is you ultimate goal, I have to say that it would be easier to be recruited out of Iowa than Bama since most Chicago businesses aren’t going to fly to Tuscaloosa when there are so many midwest colleges. However, if you are open to other areas of the country, or are willing to work a little harder to get that first job in Chicago - which is done every year, Bama is an exciting place to be and a good option.
thanks and good luck to your daughter!
I would say that UA is your best bet - you got Honors College (with all its perks and scholarships), its accounting division is good, and it’s got better Winter weather. I’m also generally in favor of discovering another part of the country when in college if it’s financially affordable, since it’s a moment when you’ll be able to move without trouble (no spouse/kids, no career in one place), while have a nice safety net (everyone else will be new, it’ll be easy to find friends, you have housing and food provided for you…)