Penn State vs Brandeis vs Stony Brook vs suggestions - Economics

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hi guys, I'm currently an international student attending SUNY - Stony Brook and am majoring in economics. I want to eventually work in finance. I felt that the program here is rather weak and so applied to transfer to a few colleges. </p>

<p>I was very impressed by programs at some of America's elite colleges like Northwestern that offer heavily math-integrated economics majors. But the cost of attendance at these colleges eludes my budget. If you could recommend a cheaper but similar program, I'd really appreciate it. </p>

<p>Due to budget limitations, I've considered Penn State and Brandeis (they seem to be generous to internationals). Brandeis, though, seems to be similar to a LAC and I don't think the college experience would be very good there. What are your thoughts on this? Should I value education above overall college experience?
On the other hand, would Penn State offer a better education and opportunities in economics than Stony Brook? I've heard that 1 out of 117 degree-holders attended Penn State.</p>

<p>Are there any other state colleges or privates (that offer aid to international transfers) that you would recommend? My test scores and GPA make me competitive at just about anywhere except perhaps the HYPSM, so feel free to make a suggestion.</p>

<p>I've considered Maryland, Wisconsin - Madison, and Minnesota. But Wisconsin's location, weather, and the fact that 70% of the college commutes isn't a very appealing aspect. </p>

<p>So out of all these choices - and your suggestion(s) - which college/program would offer:
1. Best education
2. Good college experience
3. A program respected by top MBA institutions and by finance firms</p>

2

<p>Penn State doesn’t offer any financial aid to internationals (in fact, it’s very stingy even with domestic applicants, including in-state!)
As a transfer, you’re unlikely to receive any financial aid.</p>

<p>Look at UAlabama’s Quantitative Finance major (it’s a selective major I think)… Another good choice would be Baruch, in NYC - it’s a commuter school but very respected. Not sure how costs compare to Stony Brook.
But it all depends by what you mean by “work in finance”.</p>

3

<p>It does appear that Stony Brook economics is less mathematical than most schools’ economics.</p>

<p>Minnesota is relatively low cost at out-of-state list price, and its economics department offers mathematical economics course options.</p>

<p>Wisconsin does not appear to be a commuter school – 90% of frosh live on campus. However, it is common for upperclass students to live nearby off campus at most large public universities, so that likely accounts for the 75% overall off campus. It does have a more math option: <a href=“Guide < University of Wisconsin-Madison”>Guide < University of Wisconsin-Madison;

<p>Penn State is not very generous with financial aid even to Pennsylvania residents.</p>

<p>At research universities, you could also take the first your graduate level economics courses for a more mathematical treatment of the subject.</p>

4

<p>I think you guys misunderstood. I don’t need any aid from Penn State, but that’s the highest cost I can afford. If I attend Brandeis, I’ll need aid.
I can afford most state colleges except U. Virginia and UCs.
If I attend high-end privates, I’ll need aid. </p>

5

<p>Ok - yes I had misunderstood.
Yes Penn State is better for math&economics than Stony Brook but it depends on the classes you choose, not all are demanding.
This is the basic “4 year plan”:
<a href=“http://econ.la.psu.edu/undergraduate/Academic%20Plan%20ECLBS810rev12.pdf”>http://econ.la.psu.edu/undergraduate/Academic%20Plan%20ECLBS810rev12.pdf&lt;/a&gt;
This is Smeal (if you could get into it from an “undeclared” major with lots of Economics and Math classes)
<a href=“http://www.smeal.psu.edu/uge/majors”>http://www.smeal.psu.edu/uge/majors&lt;/a&gt;
This is U Maryland’s Economics program (seems explained better):
<a href=“http://www.econ.umd.edu/undergraduate/overview”>http://www.econ.umd.edu/undergraduate/overview&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“http://www.econ.umd.edu/undergraduate/overview/degree_requirements/major_requirements”>http://www.econ.umd.edu/undergraduate/overview/degree_requirements/major_requirements&lt;/a&gt;
Wisconsin and Minnesota are very similar to Penn State though, and may be cheaper (although much colder).
Wisconsin as an Economics major with Math emphasis that could be interesting to you:
<a href=“http://www.econ.wisc.edu/undergrad/Reqs%20for%20Major.html”>http://www.econ.wisc.edu/undergrad/Reqs%20for%20Major.html&lt;/a&gt;
As mentioned earlier, UAlabama has a quantitative economics/finance major.
You can also try to apply to Kelley (Indiana).</p>

6

<p>@ MYOS1634, Great reply! But in terms of job prospects or admittance to “better” MBA programs, which of these colleges has better prospects. </p>

7

<p>Among Stony Brook, Brandeis, and Penn State, I’d go with the fact Penn State is the #1 school for recruiters and they’re also #1 for their alumni network. So it’d be the best for job prospects.
Admission to MBA programs will primarily depend on what you do (internships, then 2-5 years of work - you cannot get into an accredited MBA program without work experience).
Wisconsin’s Econ major with Math emphasis looks very good for someone who wants more of and the university has an excellent reputation, for for career and for academics. UMaryland is now connected to DC which is a boon, too. Northeastern is about the same price as Penn State and is good for econ&math, with the co-op system excellent for job prospects - but it’s very hard to get into!
Can you apply to 3 or 4 of them and see which one you can get into (because it’s far from being easy!)</p>

8

<p>FYI - if you’re turned off by Wisconsins weather, Penn State is very similar to Madison. Slightly warmer but its still pretty miserable in the winter here.</p>

9

<p>S was just accepted to Stony Brook…we are from Boston. We are concerned it might be a “suitcase school,” emptying out on the weekends, so he might be lonely as we are too far for him to be leaving campus frequently. Anyone with knowledge/expereience of this at Stony Brook?</p>