CMU Tepper vs. NYU CAS vs. Emory BBA

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's how these schools stack up for your goals in traditional finance roles like investment banking (IB), corporate banking, or commercial banking in NYC:

1. CMU Tepper

• Pros:
  • Tepper's reputation as a strong undergraduate business school is a significant advantage. While CMU is known for its CS/engineering programs, Tepper still holds weight in finance recruiting.
  • Alumni from Tepper have successfully placed into IB roles, though the pipeline to NYC is not as robust as schools like NYU or Emory.
  • The structured business curriculum can provide a solid foundation for finance roles.
• Cons:
  • Pittsburgh is not a major financial hub, which could make networking and internships more challenging compared to NYC or Atlanta.
  • CMU's culture leans heavily toward quant/tech, which might not align with your interest in traditional finance roles.

2. Emory BBA

• Pros:
  • Emory's Goizueta Business School has a strong reputation for finance and a straightforward matriculation process into the BBA program.
  • The school has a solid track record of placing students into IB and corporate banking roles, with alumni at top BBs and EBs.
  • While Atlanta is not NYC, it is a growing financial hub, and Emory's network extends to NYC as well.
• Cons:
  • The NYC pipeline is not as strong as NYU's, so you may need to put in extra effort to network and secure internships in NYC.
  • Campus and dorms may not meet your preferences, but this is a minor factor compared to career outcomes.

3. NYU CAS

• Pros:
  • Being in NYC gives you unparalleled access to networking opportunities, internships, and proximity to major financial firms.
  • The ability to take some Stern courses via Open Access is a plus, and the Stern alumni network is a significant advantage.
  • CAS Econ is still respected, and many students from CAS successfully break into IB and other finance roles.
• Cons:
  • CAS students face stiff competition for finance clubs and resources, which are often dominated by Stern students.
  • Internal transfer to Stern is extremely difficult, so you would need to make the most of CAS resources and networking opportunities.
  • CAS Econ may not carry the same prestige as Tepper or Emory BBA for finance recruiting.

Placement into NYC Finance Roles

1. NYU CAS: The NYC location and Stern's proximity give NYU CAS the edge for networking and internships. However, you’ll need to be proactive in leveraging these opportunities as a CAS student.
2. Emory BBA: Strong placement into IB and corporate banking, with a growing NYC pipeline. The structured business curriculum and alumni network are significant advantages.
3. CMU Tepper: While Tepper has a solid reputation, its NYC pipeline is less robust compared to NYU and Emory. Networking and internships may require more effort due to its Pittsburgh location.

Overall Prestige & Opportunities

• NYU CAS: Best for NYC access and networking, but you’ll need to overcome the challenges of being outside Stern.
• Emory BBA: Strong business program with good placement into finance roles, though NYC access is slightly less direct.
• CMU Tepper: Prestigious business school, but less finance-focused and with a weaker NYC pipeline.

Recommendation

If your primary goal is IB or finance roles in NYC, NYU CAS offers the best location and networking opportunities. However, if you value a structured business education and are open to working harder to break into NYC, Emory BBA is a strong contender. CMU Tepper is a solid choice but may require more effort to achieve your NYC finance goals due to its location and culture.

Sources: Biggest Decision of My Life: Undergrad B-School, UT vs USC vs Vanderbilt vs Emory for Undergrad, A Warning on the Wells Fargo Securities Investment Banking Summer Analyst Program, The Allure of Investment Banking, The Comprehensive List of Transfer Friendly Schools For Investment Banking