I just got a phone call yesterday that I received a full-ride to Indiana University (Bloomington), and then I already have a full-ride at Creighton University….still have some schools left but even if I am accepted to any of those I don’t want to spend 200k+ for my undergraduate education! My parents will give me 50k when I graduate college if I take a full-ride, so even though I have acceptances from some schools already that are technically more prestigious, I’d much rather take that offer because it honestly comes down to how hard I work and I know that at either Creighton or IU I’ll still have amazing opportunities!
I’m going to put the details/perks of the scholarships along with other details of the schools as a comment just so I have the ability to edit them later in case of doxxing.
Background on me: I don’t know 100% what I want to do, but do plan on attending some form of school after undergrad (though maybe not right away) whether it’s for an MBA, J.D, or Masters in something like Business Analytics. I’m thinking right now I want to attend law school (I’ve always had that in the back of my head but it’s recently become more prominent) however that very well could change! So I’m planning on the pre-law track entering college, and do want to go somewhere I can maintain a 3.9+ GPA. I’ll probably apply for a deferred MBA program if I don’t apply to law school though, so I still want to earn a high GPA.
Financial: full tuition/fees, room, board, guaranteed housing on campus for 4 years, free on-campus housing for 2 summers
Additional: mentored “Fellow,” Dean’s RSP section featuring guided tours of Fortune 500 companies, “concierge career advising”, scholarship can be applied to any Creighton graduate programs until 8 consecutive semesters have expired, 4 year Anna Tyler Waite Leadership Program, must complete Dean’s Honor Roll for Social Responsibility (24 service hours a semester), exit interview with Dean Hendrickson, maintain 3.3 GPA
Majors: BSBA in: Accounting, Business Intelligence and Analytics, Economics, Finance, Finance and Technology, Management, Marketing, International Business
Distance: easy flight, ~10 hour drive. I would probably just fly home for break
Major/Program Ranking: Accounting is #34, Finance is #15 according to U.S News. AACSB Accredited: Top 2% of business schools
Rigor: I looked at a pdf of their commencement ceremony and for Heider ~28% of students were summa cum laude which is a 3.85 - 4.00 there. I think I can be in the top 28% of students, so a 3.9+ should be doable if I put in the work. There are no A+s there but I do have 7 credits of A+s from dual credit high school coursework. Could help me if I get a random A-, but then at IU obviously it could supplement other A+s.
Indiana University (Kelley):
Financial: full tuition (40 credits yearly max), room (McNutt standard double room), board (I-Bucks 60: PLUS meal plan), $900 for books: any extra money will be dispersed via check from bursar
Additional: Complete 1 Study Abroad experience for 8 weeks, participate in Kelley School of Business Civic Leadership Development (CLD) and Kelley Institute for Social Impact (KISI), maintain a 3.5 GPA, participation in ACE program (way easier to get into business honors, and honors classes are easier than regular)
Majors: BSBA in: Accounting, Economic Consulting, Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation, Finance, Information Systems, Management, Marketing, Operations Management, Professional Sales, Public Policy Analysis, Real Estate, Supply Chain Management. Co-Majors: Sustainable Business, Leading DEI, Law/Ethics/Decision Making, International Business, Digital Technology Management, Digital and Social Media Business Applications, Business Analytics
Distance: 3 hours, minor drive
Major/Program Ranking: Kelley is #8 overall, then for majors: #4 Accounting, #7 Business Analytics, #4 Entrepreneurship, #9 Finance, #13 International Business, #6 Management, #6 Management Information Systems, #3 Marketing, #7 Production/Operations Management, #15 Supply Chain
Rigor: I heard this depends on the major. Finance likes to keep their average GPA between a 2.8 - 3.2 or something, and then for majors that are more STEM within business there seems to be lower GPAs. I was thinking of Economic Consulting and Public Policy Analysis, maybe Marketing…so I should be safe. ICORE is draining and difficult though, so I’ll have to progress through that curriculum. Being in honors though the classes still require a great deal of work, however there is a much higher distribution of A’s. Seems like most lower GPAs are from a lot of partiers as IU is a party school
Additional Pros/Cons (some of these are very minor but I’d figure I’d mention them):
Pros:
IU Bloomington
Stronger sports (D1 like Creighton but has sports like football)
A+s for law school admissions (A+’s give you a 4.3 so it’s an advantage)
I have friends going and know other finalists from interview weekend that I can see myself being friends with
I have a ton of dual credit classes that transfer, they’re more generous with AP credit…would never have to take a science class again (YAY!) and I can probably take CLEP to get out of Calculus (I don’t think I’m going to pass AP Calc with a 4…it’s not looking too great at the moment) ALSO I can take a ton of CLEP to get undistributed credit. I use Modern States to get free vouchers and have some scheduled I can take; this would mean I can take less IU courses per semester but still complete my degree as long as I do the core required classes and major specific courses. CLEP exams are super easy.
Higher average starting salary
Sends grads all across the country, robust and stronger alumni network
Creighton University
Won’t have to pay for basketball tickets (this might apply to other sporting events? Not completely sure)
Would be easier to work in because Omaha has a lot of industry and Fortune 500 companies. I would use my free housing during 2 of my summers to work in Omaha for one of the major companies hopefully and then pocket that money.
I like how it is smaller because I’m used to a small Catholic school
Easier to get leadership positions in organizations/clubs on campus
Better/healthier greek life culture––I would definitely rush a sorority there and have the time to participate in that
Cons:
IU Bloomington
Will have to pay $500 for athletic tickets
Can’t use my Mac in Kelley so I have to buy a Windows laptop (they hate me and I like the Apple OS better and I’m planning on being an iPad girl in college so sharing files and stuff is easier with Apple)…This is minor though, it would just be a bit of an annoyance
Greek life there has some problems and someone I know in Kelley who is also planning on law school (he’s insanely smart but also very sociable and wanted to rush) who told me I won’t have the time to rush really because of Kelley’s rigor.
Because the buildings are made of limestone and they’re old, there have been a lot of horror stories with students breathing mold. The enhanced dorms (extra 2k yearly) are safe, but the regular ones are a surprise. I don’t want to waste 2k my freshen year though on something dumb like a dorm. But I don’t want to destroy my lungs because of mold either. Food was horrendous last semester as well I heard but I believe it is getting better
I visited the campus during interview weekend and I did not walk around it a ton, but with the mini tour I was given, I felt like it was so big and I wasn’t sure if I could see myself there. HOWEVER, I had a stomach bug when I was down there (found out that’s what it was when I got home late Sunday…my stomach hurt bad when I was in Bloomington and I was just so drained) so I think that could have made me a bit biased. The pictures online look pretty, but in winter in person it seemed ugly.
Some majors seem pretty rigorous and I think I might get some A-’s. I was told with some classes like Accounting 100 that the final is 50% of your grade so if you’re having a bad day that your grade is pretty much done for. I would probably have to get a tutor…which is fine
Creighton University:
I think the campus might be a bit too small for me but I haven’t visited…going later in March
Required theology classes (After 13 years of Catholic schooling, I don’t really want to read and dissect a Scripture passage I’ve already analyzed various times in my required religion classes). However, these classes would probably be fairly easy because the material I’m so familiar with
Weather is a bit worse than IU. Creighton is west of me and the weather is comparable to what I experience right now. Both schools have weather I don’t like though––I love the sun.
I have no idea which one to pick, and I know that regardless I’m going to feel bad about whichever one I turn down. I really liked the professors at both schools when I interviewed, and they all seemed like genuinely interesting people and they were passionate about their schools and other faculty members/their overall program! I’m a pretty indecisive person too so this is a hard decision for me.
My dad told me I’m crazy and that I should just accept Kelley’s offer right now but I know for sure I want to visit Creighton’s campus––plus I already have a flight booked! Kelley is 100% a much stronger program, but I also feel like I’ll be successful wherever I go and that I can’t really lose (if that makes sense!) If anyone has any insights concerning either programs/schools I would love to hear!
I can’t speak to either college specifically but I can say something general about Jesuits (Creighton).
I work for a Jesuit. I am not baptized. I have diverse coworkers: Muslim, Jewish, gay, trans, etc. Jesuits are focused on service and community. Most required classes that may be about theology will likely encourage finding out about others. There would likely be many opportunities to help out which could look good on a grad school application.
Regardless of where you go, don’t focus on A+'s as at my college, those don’t exist. An A- or even a B will not prevent you from getting your MBA. If you want law school, you would focus on your LSAT score.
Congrats on all your hard work paying off! I think you should keep both options on the table now because you are totally correct when you say “I also feel like I’ll be successful wherever I go and that I can’t really lose.”
So my advice is not about which school to pick, but rather about something that I think is more important: determining a personal philosophy toward risk, achievement, and spending going forward. The issue is that sometimes the strategy that gets a person rewarded as a high school student (aiming for A+ grades, perfectionism), starts to have diminishing returns in college, and then even backfires once a person is in graduate school and the workplace. A person’s ability to do their most creative and important work can be stifled if they remain in a pattern of choosing, for example, which opportunities to accept or forego based on ability to get an A+ vs an A. Likewise with spending- important careers, especially leadership careers, involve needing to spend money. Yes, follow a general philosophy of living within your means. Yes, embrace great opportunities that comes with amazing perks (like full ride scholarships! Yay!) But resist the temptation to get bogged down by debating reasonable costs for things that give you joy (sporting tickets) or contribute to your health and comfort (mold-free dorms.) Just decide what you want, buy it, and don’t overthink it. And get some B’s!
That’s awesome - so you’re going on the pre-law track - what does that mean? Pre-law is an advisement - not a major. So pick your major.
You wrote a ton - so perhaps I missed that in here.
You say potentially an MBA - so if this is the case, why not study business now - and go to IU Kelley? It’s a near elite program. They have a business analytics co major program. That’s pre-law my friend.
Then you can do law school later - or just start off in the business world. For a top MBA, work experience is a must and for law school it’s becoming more and more common - so you’re not going to go straight through.
Other than that, I see large school, sort of middle of nowhere vs. smaller school in society - what’s your preference.
As for maintaining a 3.9 GPA - you may or may not anywhere - whether it was Murray State or Harvard - so you can’t really predict that- sure some are known to grade inflate or support - but that’s not a reason here from these two nor is basketball ticket prices.
Kelley. Kelley students get internship offers from all over. Do well. Graduate and you’ll have your choice of jobs anywhere you want to go.
Don’t worry about an MBA. Most likely won’t need it with a degree from Kelley. Get your bachelors first. Then worry about grad or Law school.
Will a degree from Kelley guarantee success. No. But I’m fairly certain a degree from Kelley will get you noticed and open doors. It’s a T20 business school.
That makes sense with the service and community aspect! I looked at the theology classes I have to take and they’re “The Biblical Tradition” and “The Christian Tradition” so they probably are more focused on what you said.
As for the A+s, at IU they are somewhat doable to earn! The person who I mentioned in my first comment who is in Kelley actually got all A+s in his classes except one A his first semester taking 17-18 credit hours (I forget if it was 17 or 18). I’m sure that’s less possible as the classes get progressively harder, but there are some silly/fun elective classes at IU where 90% or more of the class earns an A per the grade distribution database, so it’s possible. Then again though, I don’t think I’m going to go out of my way to take a bunch of classes like those because they aren’t very practical. And that’s true that an A- or B won’t prevent me! Law school deals with LSAT and GPA though, and if I want to be competitive for full tuition scholarships at law schools like WashU, Bama, Florida, etc, I need a high LSAT and a high GPA. For an MBA later on though I would be fine because I would have work experience beforehand as that is crucial in MBA admissions from what I understand!
Thanks! I’m going to see how I feel when I visit Creighton and definitely still keep both on the table.
I totally agree with what you said about having a personal philosophy, I actually am not a straight A student, funnily enough! (I guess I have majority A’s haha, and am still your typical perfectionist–––played the GPA game to become 3rd in my class) but I’m good with the structuring of my time and tend to pick my battles well I think (like I accept sometimes that something is likely not going to happen so I direct my time elsewhere) but I do think if I go to IU I will have to be careful because knowing there is a possibility of A+s and the fact I have a competitive nature––I might get too absorbed in that. I mentioned the A+ vs A though because I figured someone here would mention for law school admissions that an A+ provides so many more benefits because it’s a 4.3. I consider it pretty minor. And with the spending, you’re completely right! I actually copied all this information over from a spreadsheet I have that is going to help me decide, and so every minor thing (even if it’s dumb and minuscule) I have tried to list. It’s also just helpful for me to know because once I pick where I’m going I’ll have to remember that the cost isn’t covered or whatever the situation is. I also tend to be frugal with my money naturally, and so sometimes I go a little too cheap on things, so I need to find that balance!
Oh! When I say pre-law track I just mean I’m attending with the intent to go to law school, and overall will plan for it. I’m not doing anything special for that and will major in something within the Kelley school. I was thinking Economic Consulting or Public Policy Analysis (could honestly double major with those as some of their required courses are the same and I’ll enter with 50+ credits).
Yep, it’s #8 according to US News, so definitely a top program! I was thinking starting off in the business world for a year or so before law school or whatever I end up doing. I agree with the work experience for an MBA, however I also was considering applying for a deferred MBA program (there are ones by UVA, Northwestern, Harvard, Penn, Stanford, etc) that I can apply for as a senior in college! Those are specifically for college seniors and they save you a spot 2-5 years after you graduate, so you aren’t expected to have years of experience when you apply. If I didn’t do that though, then you’re completely right––it’s crucial to have work experience before an MBA.
Right with the GPA! And yup, the basketball ticket prices are dumb. I copied and pasted this from a spreadsheet I have to compare the two and I listed anything and everything even if it was silly because I’ll look at the sheet again when I eventually deposit and remember I have to account for the costs!
There were some other things on there too I didn’t actually list here because I thought I would be made fun of (like what I’m about to say is stupid I know that) but one of them for example was that a pro for IU is I can buy a Vera Bradley collegiate blanket and duffle bag LOL. I’m a teenage girl so I think of aspects like that, haha. Not going to base my decision off of something like that, but it is a “nice to have” if that makes sense.
I haven’t visited Creighton yet but have my flights booked towards the end of the month for one of the admitted student days! IU I visited for the first time last weekend and I didn’t really like the campus that much and thought it was too big for me. All the other college campuses I have liked when I toured were smaller (Duke, Washington and Lee), and it is a weird time of year with it being winter and being gross outside. I’m sure it’s a lot prettier in the late spring, summer, and fall! My friends who are committed said I just visited at the wrong time and they think I would like it. I’m going to visit again in early April I think!
No…I was genuinely considering both of them, but maybe I’m dumb haha I don’t know. I mean there is more to rank, right?
And yep, it’s an amazing program and I truly could go wherever I wanted with a degree from there provided I do well! They’re #8 according to US News so certainly very strong, I just don’t know if they’re the right fit for me because they’re such a big school. Maybe I’m overthinking it though.
Use the extra money from the $900 book stipend to hire a professional mold investigator/cleaner.
Love your humor! I think in McNutt I would probably be fine because some of the other dorms are worse…and an enhanced dorm might be worth the extra 2k or whatever so that’s an option too!
And thank you! Just trying to consider all my options right now, so I’ll have to do some more research and then also see how I feel about Creighton when I visit! Kelley is so amazing so I’m not sure how I can turn them down, but Creighton also could be a good fit for me so it’s hard for me to think about the options because it’s a bit overwhelming!
Don’t forget, you mentioned an MBA in Business Analytics and you can do that as an undergrad at IU (and Creighton).
You say IU is too big. I can see that. Bloomington is highly rated as a college town. I never understood it but if everyone says it is, then it must be.
Creighton will be more urban - close to downtown Omaha but - Omaha is not a metropolis but it is sizable.
If IU isn’t for you, then no matter how great a b school it is, it’s not for you. I’d say it’s strong - but for 90%, no stronger than any other solid business school. Most will end up in similar jobs to kids that go to other schools - including Creighton.
Duke is just - well, it’s unbelievably nice. And W&L for small colleges - I don’t know if there can be nicer - and you literally fall down the hill into the cute little town.
So yeah - if those are your preference size wise, then IU likely isn’t for you.
People are saying what they’re saying from a pedigree POV - and no matter what, saving your folks a boat load of $$ is always a good thing - especially if you plan on grad school.
I hadn’t heard of the deferred MBA - that’s interesting. An interesting read.
You can’t go wrong - but follow your head - and not pedigree for sake of pedigree although IU is a fine choice. But if you’re miserable or just aren’t feeling it - well you have to spend four years there, day after day after day and that matters too.
There’s WAY more than rank. In fact, I’d argue that rankings are pretty specious. I know not one, but two Fortune 500 CEOs. Neither have advanced degrees. Neither attended schools as prestigious as either of your full ride options.
The schools and settings are different. I love Bloomington and the IU campus, but you should choose the overall experience that you think best suits you personally.
Yup, Creighton is comparable to the city I live in now, just more industry and a bit more people. IU I think it felt big because the campus is more spread out. I have no problem with walking, but in Indiana winters––not a fan. Creighton is cold though as well, and the average temps are actually lower than IU so I would have better weather at IU.
I think I just have to see how I like the size of Creighton and then I might go visit IU with some of my friends who are already committed. And Duke and W&L are amazing! W&L I would have committed in a heartbeat if I became a finalist for Johnson and ended up receiving it…I was rejected from that sadly. I still left my applications for both of those and I probably have a decent shot at W&L, but I don’t want to spend that money when I already have solid options.
Very true (about how I can’t go wrong)! I think I might have been too harsh of a critic when I was on IU’s campus, plus I didn’t feel the greatest (I don’t remember what I mentioned before but I felt like absolute trash) so I should probably give it another chance in terms of the campus. It’s just hard though because even before I found out I got the full ride to IU, once I knew I was a finalist, my dad was going on and on to me about how I would be absolutely crazy to turn down IU because of Kelley and now that I actually have it, in the past 24 hours he has randomly said stuff out of the blue about how Kelley is so much better than Heider at Creighton and how it should be an easy choice. It’s where he wants me to go. And maybe I’m overthinking it. At IU I would have friends and I know people who would be in ACE with me (other people who received the scholarship have it for sure) and that makes it a lot more close knit because I’ll take the same specific classes as them! My classes won’t be super far from each other either, so I’d adjust regardless. It’d just be a bit daunting at first I think, and part of that scares me because it’s something I’m not used to. But wherever I go it’ll be different in environment so I have to remember I’ll experience that also at Creighton.
That’s true! The school ranking can certainly help but my success is ultimately defined by me and what I work to accomplish––not the name of the school, so interesting insight.
They’re definitely different environments…Creighton I think I’m just going to have to see how I feel when I visit! And with IU not being too far from me I can certainly find time to visit again and take my time walking around campus!
My daughter was not a Johnson finalist but was a finalist for a tuition only scholarship. She did not get it - and did get in - $81K a year - COA - yeah, it’s a no brainer to not go there if you don’t get a scholarship and you have no need - as great as it is.
IU is large and spread out - there’s no question about it and that size school is not for everyone.
I assure you many a successful person will come from Creighton. But yes, another visit would be great and don’t forget, while campuses are big, you may be only accessing a portion of it.
As for IU is better- sure if you read magazines - but I promise you there will be successes and failures at IU and there will be successes and failures at Creighton. Kelley itself is very large.
Creighton is Jesuit - whereas the other schools you mention (IU, Duke, W&L and not sure where else you appleid) - are not - if that makes a difference to you.
Congratulations on your hard work and earning full rides at two different institutions!
There are lots of things that are way more important than rank. Go where you feel comfortable and think that there is the right fit. If that’s Creighton, great. If that’s IU, great. There is no bad choice here. It sounds like visits to both campuses are possible before you need to decide, and I think you should do so.
That being said, there are many wonderful things about IU. It is a great college town. The downtown area just off campus has just about any kind of cuisine you could hope to find (Tibetan, Indian, Afghani, Thai, etc.). You probably will need to pay for athletic tickets, at least for basketball and football, but when you’re saving many tens of thousands of dollars a year, you can splurge for it. Plus, there are tons of free things that IU offers, including hundreds of concerts and recitals a year from the music program. The campus is large, but this is also where you may end up spending 3-4 years. Do you want to spend 3-4 years in a 1/2 mile radius? Or do you want to have a bit more space? You will have lots of opportunity in the honors program at Kelley to get to know your classmates and your dorm is practically across the street from the business building. But there are beautiful areas including the arboretum and some wooded areas, and it’s really a great place. But if it’s not the best fit for you, don’t be afraid to let your family know and accept the offer at Creighton. I’m sure you will receive a fine education there and lead a successful life, no matter which institution you choose. Best of luck to you!
Yeah, spot on with W&L. Great school but 81k yearly is absurd imo. It actually is kind of funny with them that the day they released the decisions for Johnson finalists, I got an email from IU right before saying I was a finalist for the full-ride I got from them––so then I figured I had a chance with W&L haha, but nope! A large component of it is luck to be honest, and if they don’t want me then I don’t want them!
I did see Creighton is Jesuit. I feel like I should know the difference between them and me, but I’m kind of confused! I’m Roman Catholic, but I know I’m not Jesuit. I think it’s something like all Jesuits are Roman Catholic but not all Roman Catholics are Jesuit. It doesn’t really change anything for me though!
Just trying to consider all my options right now, so I’ll have to do some more research and then also see how I feel about Creighton when I visit! Kelley is so amazing so I’m not sure how I can turn them down, but Creighton also could be a good fit for me so it’s hard for me to think about the options because it’s a bit overwhelming!