UCI v. UCSD

Graduate School
1

Hello! I am an undergrad at UCI and I got accepted into UCI and UCSD for their Master of Finance program. I really want to go to UCI rather than UCSD, but I am having some trouble deciding between the two. On one hand, UCI is next to John Wayne where many corporate offices are located so there would be great internship and job opportunities. Also, I’m familiar with the area and professors/advisors at UCI. However, I am only receiving $20,000 in scholarships from UCI. On the other hand, UCSD is offering me $50,000, but their business school has lower rankings than UCI. However, both schools have Capstone projects and UCSD’s partner companies sound more appealing.

I think my mind is set to choosing UCI but I still want some advice on what you think would be the better school to choose.

Additionally, is there any way to negotiate with the people at UCI to see if they’d be able to offer me extra money? I don’t need $50,000 like UCSD is offering but another $5-10,000 would be helpful. If so, how should I word it so it doesn’t come off as trying to leverage the 2 schools?

Thanks in advance!

2

$30k difference is some serious change. Contact UCI immediately: ‘I really like what your program has to offer and am honored to have recieved admission. However, I have also received a significant financial aid offer from another highly-rated program and am writing today to see if I might be eligible for any type of additional financial aid? UCI is my first choice but it would minimizing education debt is also important.’

It doesn’t hurt to ask. At worst, they say, ‘Sorry, our financial aid budget is all used up.’

3

Thank you for your help!