Pepperdine or U Hawaii MBA?

Graduate School Business School - MBA
1

<p>OK, so I have a choice to make and I can't decide which is the better choice. </p>

<p>I was accepted to both University of Hawaii and Pepperdine University for their full-time MBA programs. </p>

<p>Pepperdine has offered $20,000 per year in scholarship and a graduate assistantship. </p>

<p>Hawaii has offered $30,000 per year in scholarship. </p>

<p>Which would you choose? </p>

<p>Note: I am not a native Hawaiian and I don't entirely see myself living/working there forever (although for a few years after MBA would be fine).</p>

<p>I'd like to go into International Business.</p>

2

<p>You have a chance to live in Hawaii for 2 years and you're debating?</p>

3

<p>Pepperdine is in Malibu...This is like deciding between Harvard and Stanford (except switch prestige for location)</p>

4

<p>That's really what Im asking...</p>

<p>Which school has better credentials? Thx. Hawaii has been difficult to research.</p>

5

<p>U of South Carolina has a really good program for International Business...What's wrong with University of Florida MBA?</p>

6

<ol>
<li>I hate UF for many reasons.</li>
<li>It's in Florida, I've lived here my whole life and I want a change of scenery.</li>
</ol>

7

<p>I've looked at both too. Pepperdine's creds are definitely better than UH and their alumni/career network is massive (30,000+ and lots of local opportunities w/ big companies like Disney, Amazon, local TV and movie networks, etc.). </p>

<p>Having a few friends that went to UH for other graduate programs, I'm willing to bet that UH's MBA network is tiny. If you want something that gets you away from the rest of the world and gives you an environment you'll remember for a lifetime, go with UH. If you are doing your MBA truly for career purposes, go with Pepperdine. </p>

<p>I live near Pepperdine, got married at their chapel, and can attest to its beautiful location. It's not Hawaii, but its campus is prettier than most.</p>

8

<p>A few more thoughts:</p>

<p>(1) Traffic in LA is horrendous and there are a few things to content with out here like smog, crazy drivers, etc. Not so much by Malibu but it's there nearby nonetheless.
(2) Both places are expensive but housing can be more in LA and food can be more in HI.
(3) Not sure about UH but Pepperdine has a cool program that would allow you to do credits with their 1 week international project. From what the school says, you can actually do it at no cost as a Graziadio MBA alumni.</p>

9

<p>Pepperdine has a better reputation as a whole. Their Biz program might also be highly ranked but not by much over Hawaii. The major factors you'll want to think about is moving so far from mainland America. That might prove expensive when you graduate and start to job hunt. There are a lot more oppurtunities in LA than Hawaii.</p>

<p>That said Hawaii is A LOT more connected to Asia. If you are interested in Asia as an international component definintely visit Hawaii and grill them on that Asian connection. I heard that the program has a very good global emphasis.</p>

<p>Pepperdine's MBA program might not be in Malibu either, you might want to check that. PU has a business campus in Westchester (a nice part of West LA but no Malibu) it might be just for part timers though.</p>

<p>Bottom line: Hawaii might be more expensive and a whole does not have better recognition but could hold the Asian connections you find more valuable.</p>