<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>
<ol>
<li>Northwestern--reason: their school of business and finance is awesome. It's top tier, well-known, and uber prestigious. The only problem would be getting in; plus people who graduate there are very likely to have a high income upon graduation, so the student-loan debt would be problem-less. The only problem, though, is the money for your parents.</li>
<li>Indiana--reason: it's really cheap for a such a good program. It's pretty big-named, although of course there are better, but again, for the money reasons.</li>
<li>Georgetown--reason: famous! Although it costs the most, it's well-known for its rep. </li>
</ol>
<p>I don't know about U.I. I've seriously never considered that school before, so can't help you there. Sorry!</p>
<p>Maybe I am a pessimist, but in my opinion, it's not true that most people who graduate with a BA from NW in business will have no problem paying off over $100K in loans. Some will do very well. Others will do less well. Most high paying jobs come with high expenses- they are in high cost locations, and they are far from your family and friends. People may be able to pay off the 100K loan, but I would predict that it would not be without sacrifice for most.</p>
<ol>
<li>UIUC - great education for cheapest cost.</li>
<li>Indiana - fantastic business school...but I prefer econ for an undergrad major since you plan on getting an MBA.</li>
<li>Northwestern - great education but not worth double UIUC's cost, IMHO.</li>
<li>Georgetown - most expensive</li>
</ol>
<p>Georgetown shouldn't really be in the running, in this case. Cost is way, way, way out of par with quality. Quite frankly, the best option here is Indiana-Bloomington. Cheapest, but equal quality. I may be biased, though. I know a number of successful northeast-located businesspeople from IB.</p>