Value of Undergraduate Business Degree

Hey everyone, I am really having difficulty choosing an undergraduate business/finance program and was wondering truly how important an undergraduate business degree is. For context, I am an incoming freshman interested in IB/consulting, but I would definitely like to explore my options in finance throughout my undergraduate career. I would truly appreciate any input/advice. 

I was accepted into the following programs:

Georgia Tech Scheller: The main factor that is drawing me to Scheller is the cost. I would be in-state and would have to pay nothing for tuition and so would only have to worry about room/board. I am aware that it is not as strong a business/finance program as my other options, but I feel that GT is a great school nevertheless and I have heard that Scheller is quickly expanding and working its way up as one of the top undergraduate business programs.

UT Austin McCombs BHP: Great culture at the school, and value wise I feel is better than UCB and Cornell. I've also heard great things about BHP and feel it would be really helpful in networking and acquiring exclusive opportunities. Job placement seems to be strong amongst MBB and Wall Street. Little hesitant about the location (I like Austin, but would prefer to work in NYC/Chicago/West Coast rather than Texas). However, all things considered, I feel this would be the most "fun" option of the four.

UC Berkeley Haas GMP: Extremely unique program. I am very excited about the opportunity to study in Europe for the entire fall semester (freshman year) and all the connections/opportunities that come from such an experience. Additionally, unlike other Berkeley majors, I am already in Haas and would be able to take Haas courses beginning my freshman year. The location is great and placement seems to be good for both MBB and Wall Street. Little concerned that GMP content is not directly catered towards finance but via participation in organizations I feel that shouldn't be an issue (getting into organizations is also easier due to being in GMP). However, the cost is huge at around 70k/year.

Cornell Dyson: Prestige factor is high as it is an Ivy. Proximity to New York is huge and places best on Wall Street out of all of my other options. However, placement in consulting seems to be weaker than the other three. Dyson is extremely selective and I am interested in the AEM major (I was also selected as a part of a scholar program where I receive a small scholarship and executive mentorship, but the cost would still be relatively high). Hesitant about location (isolation) and overall weather (seems to be very gloomy). 

That is my take (so far) on all of these options. I was wondering if it really makes sense to attend any of the latter 3 options as opposed to saving money at Georgia Tech and spending later on an MBA. In other words, would an MBA really be necessary for consulting/banking if I attended UT/UCB/Cornell, and if so, would it make more sense to save money by attending GT? Really appreciate any advice.

 

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