<p>Hypothetically speaking, assume that you are absolutely certain that you either wish to pursue a doctorate in financial economics or a MBA in finance. Considering ONLY their abilities to place you in (1) and prepare you for (2) a top-tier graduate program in either the above mentioned concentrations, as well as their costs of attendance (3) and career placement (4), which schools (in order of preference) would you choose for undergrad if you paid one half (in loans) and your parents the other half of COA, and why?
A) Northwestern (Econ, COA~$51,720)
B) Georgetown (Finance or Econ, COA~$53,800)
C) University of Ill-Urbana-Champaign (Econ, COA~$24,714, instate)
D) Indiana U-Bloomington-Kelley Bschool (Finance, COA~$36,342 out of state)</p>
<p>P.S. I know there are other important factors than these 4, but I was most interested in your opinions on this particular scenario. Thanks for your advice, it may play a significant factor in my future.</p>
<p>I would 100% go to Illinois. Cheapest by $12,000/year, closest to home, and a great reputation.</p>
<p>Unless you absolutely hate Illinois, and want a completely different experience and would pay the difference for that experience, go to Illinois. </p>
<p>If you really hate the big public school experience, look at NW or G'Town. But honestly, I would rather go to Illinois and try to make the best of it than pay the extra $26-28K/year at NW or G'Town. Granted, I think of NW and G'Town as better schools than UI, but not $110+K better.</p>
<p>I agree with A2wolves regarding Northwestern & Georgetown not being worth $110K more than Illinois or IU. That kind of debt for an undergraduate degree is just not a wise financial move. </p>
<p>Also, something to keep in mind, is that if you have the grades/scores to get into either of those schools, you would almost certainly qualify for IU's automatic Distinction scholarship for OOS students valued at $8K per year. This brings IU's COA down close to Illinois', at least for the first year. However, Illinois freezes tuition for the 4 years, so the disparity between IL and IU would grow in later years.</p>
<p>Obviously, all 4 schools are fine institutions. If you apply yourself, you should be a great grad school candidate from any one of them.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice. Also, could I recieve the distinction scholarship for OOS if I am a junior transfer?</p>
<p>The IU Distinction scholarship is awarded to incoming freshmen. Looking at the website, it doesn't look like IU is nearly as generous with transfer students, much less OOS students. Check out the IU scholarship pages for more details.</p>
<p>I would also choose IU or Illinois because you don't want to be in more debt than you need to be, especially if you are planning on attending grad school. </p>
<p>You may have done this already, but if not you may want to check out 2007 profiles of the school's business programs that include Student Comments about the school's program, career placement after graduation, and other info such as average class size here:</p>
<p>Indiana</a> University Undergrad Profile
Illinois</a> at Urbana-Champaign Undergrad Profile</p>