<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>Northwestern, and thats coming from someone who is probably transferring out of there. for career placement, also depends, though maybe not so much, where you want to work. if you want to live in chicago or the midwest, definitely northwestern</p>
<p>My perspective (take it with a grain of salt as I am not a Business major, so this is almost entirely based on friends, rankings, reputation, so forth):</p>
<p>Georgetown is not worth it for the major(s) you're considering. They do not rank very highly comparatively speaking in these areas. Add to that the fact that they're very expensive, and you're considering graduate and possibly doctoral studies, which will be very expensive as well. My only exception to this would be if you have the desire to somehow involve yourself in government. If so, it's the place to be.</p>
<p>Northwestern is probably your best bet if you can bear the expense. They have one of the best Business schools in the nation as well as a top-notch Economics department. They're expensive, but I have little doubt that you'll walk away well prepared and with a meaningful degree.</p>
<p>UIUC is a great school. They aren't incredibly well known for Finance or Economics, but all of their programs are decent. If you're really considering a doctorate, this will leave you with cash in your pocket to go that route. The school's reputation may not be on par with Georgetown or Northwestern, but make no mistake: this is a great public institution.</p>
<p>Indiana has a great business school, but their Economics department may not be the best. For undergraduate, especially since you're considering graduate and doctoral studies, I'm not sure I could recommend going here for ~$11,000 more per year over UIUC and ~$15,000 less than Northwestern. UIUC's overall reputation is much stronger, even though its Business school does not touch Indiana's.</p>
<p>To sum up: If I was interested in those fields, offered acceptance, and could afford it, I would go for Northwestern (1). My second choice would probably be UIUC (2). If you're dead-set on Finance, consider Indiana (3). I do not think I could justify Georgetown (4) in this instance.</p>