Thank you to anyone who responds for your help in advance. I am deciding between the University of Georgia, the University of Florida, and Florida State University as an OOS student and am planning to study business in some form. I was able to visit all three this past month, so I will include my thoughts from those experiences in the pros/cons. All of the options are affordable for my family thankfully, but it is always nice to allocate resources logically, even if all options are affordable.
UF Pros
Great campus and surrounding area
Most highly ranked (although that is for the university as a whole, maybe not for business)
Very strong accepted applicant pool this year, makes me believe the school may continue to move up the ladder of respected public universities
Cons
I have heard and read that the vast majority of business classes are online (prior to COVID), which is really a tough point for me to get past if true (this is really the only issue with the school, I really liked it, but it is a big issue)
Campus felt a little bit quiet and unlively while I was there, may be COVID related, but I didn’t get as good of a vibe overall (obviously super subjective and possibly skewed by pandemic)
FSU Pros
Received OOS tuition waiver scholarship which would reduce tuition to around $6k per year (feels like a really good value, whereas UF would be full pay OOS)
Really good school spirit/ campus seemed like a fun place to be
I have not read/heard anything to suggest online classes would be prevalent in the business school (correct me if I am wrong)
Cons
“Lowest ranked”, so hard to tell what is accurate and what isn’t from this perspective. I guess my question being, is the pedigree of the school so much lower than UF that it would be worth the extra money to go elsewhere?
Definitely seemed like a pretty wild party school (not really my thing so I am listing it as a con, but I am also not adverse to this being a big part of the culture)
Surrounding area is a little sketchy, not terrible, but definitely not as nice and safe-feeling as around UF
UGA Pros
Got the best vibe from visiting, totally passed the “could I see myself here?” test/ really liked Athens downtown area and campus
Business college really seemed like an integral part of the university/ in person classes seem to be the goal once things get back to normal
“Double Dawg” program that would allow me to get an undergraduate degree and a Master’s in 5 years total (seems pretty cost-efficient in a sense and I also like the idea of hitting the ground running with all my schooling complete at a relatively young age)
Cons
Sort of the middle ranked school, but at very similar cost to UF (sort of feel like it would be hard to justify since UF is “better”, but I try not to put too much stake into that and would really appreciate any extra knowledge of UGA business program in comparison)
Overall, I am kind of at a stuck point as I feel that there is a case to be made for all. I would really appreciate any opinions regarding the schools, especially in regards to business. They are, in many ways, similar schools given the great sports programs and general vibe, but it is tough to decide and I appreciate any and all input. Also, just for reference UGA and UF are both around $40-45k a year (I don’t trust the exact COA numbers because I feel they sometimes include loosely or not applicable fees) and FSU would cost around $15-20k. Thank you again to anyone who takes the time to read or respond, all help is appreciated!
UGA will have the strongest business school - but it really depends on your major. FSU is solid for accounting, etc.
Frankly, you won’t do Double Dawg with business - i.e. an MBA - because a reputable MBA program won’t take you without two years experience.
As for ranking, I promise you no one in NY, Denver, Chicago, or Dallas knows that UF is ranked #30 or UGA #47 or FSU #58. They’ll all be seen no different than Iowa or Oregon or UMASS - solid state flagships. You should go to the one with the right feel.
UGA is the biggest campus - it’s immense. Funny, I thought Tallahassee was fine and Athens rundown. But everyone loves Athens.
The FSU save is huge - and I had my daughter knock Florida out because of that. FSU was $20K less. She liked both but UF more. UGA, she got into Honors, which was unexpected - FSU turned her down.
But it was too big and she’s going to a lesser pedigree school - College of Charleston.
Your outcome will likely be similar at any of the three - find the right school for you!!!
That sounds like UGA - your con isn’t a con. It’s a ranking - and that’s silly. And I would suspect the ranking will move up and UF down - solely because getting into UGA was brutal this year. UF, because they required tests, I suspect their overall pool didn’t keep pace - they had a lot of people with only one test.
I would throw rankings out - and pick the right one. The rank is not relevant.
It’s clear from above you like UGA - and it’s a great choice. Good luck.
If your parents want to save - and it is a lot of $$ over four years - FSU is great - and you’ll find your people (you will at all 3).
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my post/ give advice! I really appreciate your view regarding the rankings not necessarily being indicative of how employers view the schools as well as your views on the individual schools and their merits. I really feel like I can rationalize both FSU and UGA as logical choices as you alluded to. I hope your daughter does well at the College of Charleston and thanks again!
We know two students graduating from FSU this spring (one in finance / one in accounting). They both have great jobs in Tampa that they will be starting in June.
You’ve got three good options. Job opportunities for business majors at FSU should be strong - the rankings at these schools don’t need to make or break your decision. Good luck with your decision.
The online classes at UF are a huge negative, and I do not recommend UF for business as a result. Given that you preferred UGA, it seems like an easy choice to turn down FSU, despite the cost differential. The UGA business school is top notch and you will have many great opportunities from Terry. You could do a double dawg program in 4 or 5 years, just not with MBA. One of the one-year masters programs would be a great option if you’re interested, eg, the MSBA.
OP: Great analysis of your options. You have received very well reasoned responses in this thread.
With respect to the 5 year Double Dawg program, a one year masters degree should give a significant boost to your job search. But, consider the fact that you will save about $100,000 over four years if you attend FSU versus four years at UF or at UGA. The savings offered by attending FSU is more than enough to pay for a one year masters degree at any school in the country including private universities such as Duke & Georgetown.
You have three great options–although online classes at UF are a significant consideration.
Did you receive a direct admit to Terry? If not, you’ll have to apply as a sophomore - not sure what the acceptance percentage is, but it may be something to consider. I believe FSU is a direct admit? My D got into FSU for business but it was not in her top 3 so we didn’t look closely at whether it was a direct admit.
I agree with ruling out UF for business. The online classes (even pre-covid) are a deal-killer if you’re paying out of state tuition.
I think the party culture between UGA & FSU would be similar. School spirit and fun campus environment - also similar.
I’m not one to talk you out of going somewhere if it’s where you heart is because fit is important (my daughter is doing the same thing), but if you can possibly see yourself at FSU and save all that money - that would be amazing!
Thank you all so much for your help and information! I think based on your feedback, the consensus is UGA/FSU are really the options to hone in on because UF doesn’t make a ton of sense for business. I am trying to absorb all of the information/ perspectives I can in the next couple of days, so I truly appreciate the advice!
I think you are right about FSU being direct admit (just seems like you declare a major prior to orientation and that’s the end of it), whereas UGA requires you to apply to a major within Terry. This is definitely something to consider and I appreciate your perspective greatly!
Getting into Terry is really not hard. I would not place too much weight on that. All good students get their requested majors. Many double and triple major.
Honestly, I think most every school my daughter got into offered this up - I think it’s a marketing gimmick with the cute name and everyone is doing it - from Miami Ohio to Pitt…and if you look at all the schools, there’s likely a path. In business - if it’s an MBA you are pursuing - it would make little sense. Those who go straight through - and rarely at a reputable program because they won’t take them - but if you find a school where you can, your starting salary will be the same as if you were an undergrad.
Someone mentioned earlier that you can combined business with something else - in that sense - sure.
But honestly, if you go to FSU, they’ll have certain majors allowing the same thing - perhaps without the kitschy name.
Not sure, but I suspect that the increased hours required to sit for CPA state licensing exams which essentially required a 5th year of college may have started the trend.
Joint degree programs have been around far longer than the CPA rule change. They are offered as an enticement to top students. I never encourage strong students to get a MAcc as it’s not a valuable degree except that it gets you to 150 credits. There are better more cost effective ways to get there especially if the MAcc requires a 5th year. Plus other 1-year masters degrees are actually resume enhancing.
FSU campus is pretty but you are right–outside the campus area can get sketchy,
UF is a very lively and friendly campus. You must’ve visited on an off day.
You like UGA. (I don’t but I’m a gator! lol).
All three have great school spirit (and lots of partying). Don’t think you’ll go wrong at any of them. All good schools.
Now about that tuition…we’re talking 80k-100k over four years. That’s a good chunk of change. It easily pays for study abroad (assuming life after covid), a better apartment, a further degree. (A car, downpayment on a house…)
I again just want to thank everyone for your very helpful tips and advice! I have narrowed it down to FSU and UGA and am (obviously) going to be making a decision in the very short term, so if anyone has any other thoughts or helpful information, please share! I really appreciate the help!
Both are great schools. I have a kid at FSU who loves it. He is not into the Greek or club scene, but made great friends right away in the honors dorm. I would not worry about it being too much of a party school for you. At any state school of that size, UGA included, you can find your people. He’s not had any problems with crime in the area.
Interesting - I was down for work the other week - walked from my hotel (Aloft) to campus - about a mile. Then from campus to collegetown where I ate. And then back from collegetown to my hotel - about 30 minutes. I imagine i walked in most parts around the campus…including at night.
No issues whatsoever - I never felt like anything was sketchy.