Hello everyone. I really need help with deciding between a college because I see benefits of both. While UIUC has the better business program, LMU is cheaper for me because I got a scholarship. Furthermore, I like the weather and location a lot more. I really need help in making my decision, and I would really appreciate some advice. I can see pros and cons of both schools, I really need some advice on making my decision.
I am not familiar with LMU, but have 2 children who were admitted to UIUC Business unassigned. My older child graduated last year and is currently employed as a consultant in Chicago. My younger child is a junior, double majoring in Finance and Accounting and minoring in Technology and Management. Gies has many opportunities and excellent job placement, especially in the Chicago area.
I suggest you consider finances first. You don’t say what the approximate final cost of attendance after 4 years would be for you. Is the difference over 4 years $10k or more? Will you be saddled with a lot of debt? How much? Don’t underestimate how debt can affect your post-graduation plans.
If the difference in cost is manageable, then examine your future goals. What are you looking to do? If you are OOS, majoring in accounting or finance may make UIUC more desirable. If you’re leaning toward marketing, maybe LMU is a better, less costly option.
Look at job placement at each school…both in regard to location and starting salaries. Four years of college goes quickly. I know at U of I, that most business kids get full-time post-graduation job offers in the Fall of senior year. A lot of these job offers come from their junior year summer internships…which btw they secured in the Fall of junior year. Why am I stating this? I’m trying to impress upon you that what you do as a freshman and sophomore is crucial resume-building time. I know nothing about you and your work ethic, but I caution you when it comes to selecting a school based on weather and access to fun in the city.
Lastly, you need to consider fit. The two schools are very different. You know yourself best. Good luck wherever you go.