Ku Leuven or RSM

Hello everybody, I got accepted to the BBA program of Ku Leuven and I am pretty sure that I will get accepted to the IBA program of RSM. I am from a Non-EU third world country so Ku Leuven is a lot more affordable as its tuition is a lot lower than RSM’s tuition as RSM only gives scholarship for the first year of studies. However, I know that RSM is also a lot better when it comes to reputation. My question is if it is worth it to take a loan to study in RSM or Ku Leuven is enough to be able to work in a top consulting firm? Thank you 

 

Based on the WSO Dataset, when making a decision between KU Leuven and RSM (Rotterdam School of Management), there are several factors to consider beyond just the reputation and tuition costs. Here's a breakdown to help guide your decision:

  1. Reputation and Rankings: While RSM may have a stronger reputation in certain circles, especially within the Netherlands and for specific programs, KU Leuven is not far behind. KU Leuven has a strong overall reputation, particularly in Europe, and is well-regarded in various academic disciplines. Remember, reputation can vary by specific industry or sector.

  2. Financial Consideration: The financial aspect is crucial, especially for international students. If KU Leuven offers a more affordable option without compromising significantly on the quality of education and future opportunities, it's worth considering. Taking on a substantial loan to attend RSM could add financial pressure post-graduation, which is an important factor to weigh.

  3. Career Goals: For a career in top consulting firms, both schools can provide a solid foundation. However, it's essential to research each school's alumni network within the consulting industry and the career support services they offer. Networking and internships can often be as crucial as the program itself in securing positions in top firms.

  4. International Student Support and Community: As a non-EU student, the support services for international students and the presence of a diverse student community can significantly impact your experience. Investigate both schools regarding these aspects.

  5. Long-term Goals: Consider where you want to work post-graduation. If you have a specific country or region in mind, check the recognition of each school's degree in those areas. Sometimes, local reputation can outweigh global rankings depending on your career aspirations.

In conclusion, while RSM has a strong reputation, especially in business and management, KU Leuven also offers a reputable program with potentially less financial burden. It's essential to weigh the long-term benefits and potential debt against the immediate reputation benefits. Consulting firms value diverse experiences and skills, so focusing on building a strong profile through internships, networking, and leadership experiences during your studies can be just as crucial as the school's name.

Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/msc-finance-at-tilburg-university-or-msc-business-economics-financial-economics-major?customgpt=1, Northwestern ECON vs IU Kelley vs Vanderbilt ECON, What I've learned so far after 1 yr at a top MBA program (If I could do it over):, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/shall-i-take-usd-160k-loan-to-attend-wharton?customgpt=1

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

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