Updated information on comparing Indiana U (Bloomington) v. CU Boulder

My son has been admitted directly into both business schools, not pre-business. Since we cannot visit either school, could use some advice on where he should go. Active young man, solid student, interested in Greek system and OOS tuition with both schools offering academic scholarship money.
I’ve read the 2012 string, but would like some updated information. He will want to get his masters after graduating.

Kelley School of Business at IU is outstanding. A friend’s son graduated last May and is one of 4 grads chosen for Fullbright Scholarship that has taken him to Europe for a yearlong study/work program. I live in IN and can tell you if you get accepted into Kelley you have people seeking you out for jobs/grad programs.

I earned my BS from IU’s School of Business in Finance and then went to CU-Boulder for my MBA in Accounting. Although that is quite a few years ago, I can offer some personal perspective of both schools. I absolutely loved them both, so I don’t think he goes wrong with either.

Indiana may have the better national recognition, and is particularly strong around the Midwest/Chicago area. Definitely strong in Accounting with a pipeline to the accounting/consulting firms. Well-established and traditional business school.

Colorado on the other hand has increased its ratings and reputation for business. Living in California, I would say Colorado may even have the better reputation here. Lots of CU grads in SoCal and the Bay Area–it is the most attractive out-of-state school for Californians in the West except for UW, which is almost impossible to get in and afford. CU’s business school has more of an innovation focus than IU from what I have observed. If your son sees himself working in Fortune 500-type companies IU is the place, whereas CU might open more doors to start-ups and tech companies.

Both campuses are beautiful, and the social life is great at both schools. Both are in fabulous towns–Bloomington is more traditional as a college town with pubs and restaurants and lots of unhealthy food! Boulder at 5400 feet is often noted as the most healthy city in the U.S. Boulder has its share of snow, but usually it is clear and sunny. Bloomington is gorgeous in the Fall but just ugly and gray in Jan/Feb.

IU has one of the best Greek systems in the country. Tons of frats and sororities on Greek Row and strong party life if he is looking for that. CU is not as Greek-focused but there are plenty of parties in dorms and off campus.

As I noted, he will be happy with either decision. Good luck and come back and let us know what he decided.