<p>My son was admitted to Smeal at UP and the University of Florida (UF) for the Fall 2007. One obvious advantage of going to Smeal is that it is closer to home (we are from Maryland), but Penn State tuition is $6-7K more expensive. How are the business schools at these two universities compared in terms of academics and job prospect after graduation? I saw the business week's rankings of the two schools - Smeals at 32nd and UF Warrington at 47th place. Is this difference in the ranking worth $6-7K per year?</p>
<p>PSU's business school probably has an edge.
Keep in mind that you will have extra travel (and perhaps shipping) costs associated with UF. Might add up to 1-2 thousand per year.
Might come down to preferred weather and fit. PSU has plenty of OOS students (25%) however most of them are from Jersey, Del, NY and Maryland. I think UF is made up largely of Floridians.<br>
In terms of job prospects, both schools have nationally recognized names. More alumni from PSU are in the NE though so it may depend on where your son wants to settle.
BTW, my son is at Smeal and loves it - but we're also paying instate tuition.<br>
Good luck.</p>
<p>Thank you for your thoughts, Toneranger. Do you have any idea how many freshmen are admitted to Smeal for the Fall semester? I read that some core classes at Smeal are pretty crowded. Did you son ever complain about it?</p>
<p>I think they admit around 1000 - 1200 kids each semester (total between 4000 and 5000 in the school). My son takes a mix of honors and regular classes. His regular classes can be VERY big but he has not complained. He really liked his Econ professor last year and raves about his Business Ethics professor this semester (both big classes). I think UF is a big program too - so if you're looking for small core classes - both really don't fit the bill (classes do get smaller though in jr and sr years).
For what it's worth, Smeal's admissions standards were very tough this year. Many qualified students in our area were rejected and deferred to branch campuses. So congratulations to your son!!</p>
<p>I am in the same boat as your son, except I could only get into Smeal for summer and got into UF for Fall. The difference between 32nd and 47th in the rankings isn't a big deal at all. However, PSU has the edge when it comes to getting a job after graduation. There are PSU alumni everywhere, especially in the northeast if that's where your son wants to work. If possible, I would suggest visiting PSU and UF and seeing which he likes better. If athletics matter at all, PSU has a great football team but UF has an amazing basketball team in addition to their football team. Good luck!!!</p>
<p>This is an interesting post because Florida and Penn State offer such different climates. I have been to both campuses and experienced very distinct reactions to each. Does your son or daughter have a strong feeling one way or another? Undergraduate business schools should be compared by department or intended area of study. If that doesn't do it, then both are equal re: prestige and job opportunities. Remember that business school is just the first step to getting an MBA,and that is where the school's rep. is really important regarding career opportunities.</p>