Rutgers vs. Emory

I was admitted to the business school at Rutgers New Brunswick with basically a full ride through the presidential scholarship. However, I was also admitted to Oxford College at Emory University, where I would have almost guaranteed admission to the Goizueta Business School. I’m having some trouble deciding which school to commit to. Rutgers is close to home and seems the most sensible cost wise. The location is great for business and they have some really up to date programs which I’m interested in (BAIT major, Road to Wall Street program, and the Road to Silicon Valley program that they’re rolling out soon). I’m interested in finance and some kind of business analytics, and hopefully I can get a job as some kind of analyst/researcher, or maybe consulting (not too sure about jobs available yet). My main issue is that Rutgers is so big and it doesn’t seem like the school really helps students get internships, research, good job placements, etc. I’m also not a very pushy or outgoing person by nature so this could be a real problem for me. On the other hand, Emory has a great alumni network and has good consulting connections (which I’m not 100% that I want to do), but it doesn’t seem as up to date or fast paced. Which school would give me better opportunities and more chance of success in the business world?

@zp2355 From my perspective this seems like an easy decision. Go to Rutgers. And as a prospective business student, you should realize what an outstanding business decision that would be—“basically a full ride” at Rutgers which has a lot of up to date programs (BAIT major, Road to Wall Street, etc…) you are interested in and in a location great for business. Great return on your investment. And an hour away from NYC, the finance capital of the world. Versus acceptance to Oxford (not Emory) and an “almost”/not guaranteed admission to Emory’s Goizueta business school. And Emory/oxford costs about $66,000 per year plus travel costs. Versus almost 0 at Rutgers? Oxford /Emory is not worth paying over $260,000 more over four years of undergrad.

Remember it’s the student not the school that creates the most opportunities and chances for success. Do well academically at Rutgers and in the business school, engage actively in these business school programs you listed and use the business school career placement office as well as your networking through these business programs you listed, professors (make sure to get to know some of them, as they may be able to provide contacts and networking) and network & seek out opportunities through Linkedin. These will help you secure good internships and jobs I would think differently if Rutgers was a third tier school, which it is not. It’s a first rate top National University (ranked #56 in USWorld NewsReport 2019 ed.) that doesn’t get enough love from its best NJ in-state students.

What is an "almost guaranteed " admission? Is the Oxford campus a ways from the main Emory campus? And for this kinda sorta acceptance to Emory , you/ your parents have an opportunity to fork over 60k a year. Even at Emory you will have be pushy to get the internships etc. Nowhere do they just hand those out like candy.

Investigate the Emory admission further. I also agree with the post above re:Rutgers.

The ROI says Rutgers (unless money is no object).

All students at Emory’s Oxford campus automatically move to Emory’s main campus junior year. The students who start on the Oxford campus end up with a degree from Emory University. Just to clarify.

The OP has not said they are full pay at Emory. It does, though, come down to finances. All things being equal, Emory is a stronger choice. And the Oxford campus is great for someone on the shy side.

What is the cost difference between RU and Emory?

I was admitted to Oxford College at Emory University, and most people I’ve talked to have said I would have almost guaranteed admission to the Goizueta Business School. However, I was also admitted to the business school at Rutgers New Brunswick with basically a full ride through the presidential scholarship. I’m having some trouble deciding which school to commit to. Rutgers is close to home and seems the most sensible cost wise. The location is great for business and they have some really up to date programs which I’m interested in (BAIT major, Road to Wall Street program, and the Road to Silicon Valley program that they’re rolling out soon). I’m interested in finance and some kind of business analytics, and hopefully I can get a job as some kind of analyst/researcher, or maybe consulting (not too sure about jobs available yet). My main issue is that Rutgers is so big and it doesn’t seem like the school really helps students get internships, research, good job placements, etc. I’m also not a very pushy or outgoing person by nature so this could be a real problem for me. On the other hand, Emory has a great alumni network and has good consulting connections (which I’m not 100% that I want to do). It seems like it has a lot of resources and would have a safety net in place for me to make sure I stay focused and motivated, because as a private school they want to be able to show good results. However, it doesn’t seem as up to date or fast paced, and I want to stay up to date with how business is changing. Which school would give me better opportunities and more chance of success in the business world, particularly in finance and analytics? My commitment deadline is coming up and I’m still just as conflicted as I was a month ago!!

In response to the above comments, I received some financial aid from Emory but nowhere near close to the percentage I got from Rutgers. I appealed a while back but the financial aid office has said my new package will probably not come out before May 1st, so I have to make my decision based on my initial offer. Regarding Goizueta, the students I’ve spoken to as well as the academic advisors/admissions officers have all said that as long as my GPA is above a 3.0, I complete the prereqs, and I have some form of leadership/involvement on campus, I will get into Goizueta. I realize that at both schools the responsibility would be on me to build my network and secure opportunities, but Emory still has the “brand name” and reputation that might make people take more notice than if I introduce myself as from Rutgers. They’re also a private school, so I would think they would try to place all their students in prestigious jobs so they can showcase good results. Is the clout at Emory worth paying the extra money? I usually go with the safe choice so I’m not sure if I should take the risk and go for Emory in this situation, especially because so many people do business undergrad nowadays and it might be difficult for me to stand out.

Emory is about 72,000 total (tuition, housing, travel costs, etc.) per year. With the financial aid I received at this point it would be around 66,000 per year but I’m hoping that after my appeal it might go down to 40,000 - 50,000 per year.

I really think only you can decide, as it mostly comes down to finances. How much of a hardship will paying for Emory be? Will you graduate with a lot of debt? Different families will weigh the prestige v. money equation differently, which is why really only you can make this decision.

Did you get into Rutgers honors college as well? If so, that makes a HUGE difference in the Rutgers experience. if you plan to live in the Northeast, I don’t think Emory gives you any “prestige” boost. Rutgers is hugely respected in the real world. I’d recommend Rutgers at that price differential. If Rutgers Honors College, than not even a shred of doubt.

I did get into the honors college. I would like to stay in the Northeast, which is why Rutgers is so appealing. I wasn’t sure about what kind of clout Rutgers carries in the real world, but I know a lot of really prestigious companies recruit from Emory because of the name which is why I’m torn. Would anyone be able to tell me from a more professional standpoint what kind of reputation Rutgers carries amongst employers?

Rutgers has a great rep. I’d argue outside of the CC set, much more than Emory (in the northeast). A close friend did undergrad and grad engineering at Rutgers. He’s a senior exec at a pharma company. Just bought a beautiful $900k home in Morris County. My own husband has a master’s in science from Rutgers. Worked many years for AT&T before going to a start up telecom company and eventually teaching.

Rutgers will get you everywhere you need to be if you hold up your end.

Rutgers…look at the Return on Investment.

Thank you to everyone for all the advice/input!! I just committed to Rutgers today and I’m super excited!!

Just in case you come down with buyer’s remorse:

Rutgers direct admit to business school with the Presidential Scholarship is easily the wiser choice in your situation.

Congratulations !

hey! I’m also going to ru and we actually have a lot of similar goals!! I was wondering if I could private message you on any platform to get to know you- i just got a CC account and its not letting me PM you yet lol

Great decision.

From a financial standpoint, most likely Rutgers will be more idea. Academically and prestige wise, there is no comparison. Emory is by and far a better university than Rutgers and will open many more doors for you further down the line, not even close but I am also debt averse at the UG level so I guess Rutgers makes sense. Bummer, since Emory is >>>>> Rutgers