NYU MBA or Cornell MSRE (w/ $$)

Accepted into MSRE at Cornell (w/$$), Columbia, and NYU, as well as NYUs FT MBA. 3 years architecture experience looking to transition to commercial development. Leaning towards Cornell (like the program/curriculum) or NYU MBA w/ RE concentration (like location/networking opportunities).

Would like to be on the east coast after or Chicago. Also still somewhat considering NYU MSRE but not 100% sure about wanting to be in NYC long term, and not sure if that degree/network is transferable to other cities. Would Cornell's MSRE or NYU MBA be more respected in the industry? Not completely Ithaca averse but would I be shooting myself in the foot from a networking perspective to be located there vs a major city? Cornell would cost me about 1/2 what Stern would, which is also why I'm heavily considering.

5 Comments
 

Cornell. You get the Ivy stamp, stronger network, way more reputable/selective RE program than NYU MSRE, AND it's cheaper. You just have to pay the price of living in Ithaca. But from what I've seen on LinkedIn, Cornell MSRE students seem to have no problem securing internships/jobs all over the country. Seems to me like it'll be well worth it long term.

I noticed you didn't include much details on Columbia. I know they also have a reputable development program and are Ivy as well. Did they give you any money? What's the cost comparison? If its close, it'll be a hard choice between Columbia and Cornell.

 

The timing of Columbia's program doesn't work well for me and from talking to current students, the fact you don't have an opportunity to get an internship can make securing a job more difficult. I've also heard students say the accelerated format of the program makes it really difficult to network, take courses, learn the material, and secure a job in 12 months.

Cornell and Columbia are comparable all-in, even considering cost of living (no money at Columbia but fewer semesters). NYU MSRE also comparable, with opportunity to work and go PT if desired. NYU MBA is 2X cost of all of these.

 

OK, that all makes sense. I'd go with Cornell then. Getting the Ivy stamp with a strong program at a discount is an opportunity I wouldn't pass up. The Ivy factor will pay dividends over the remainder of your career. NYU is just not worth the premium you'd be paying, despite the advantage in location. That is only a short term advantage.

Oh, and don't believe the idea that you need a well rounded education (MBA), especially if you want to stay in RE long term.

 

NYU MBA...you already have architecture experience, an MRED doesn't add as much to your resume as an MBA in my opinion. MBA will round out your resume (you've got technical experience + financial acumen from the MBA) and give you optionality. You will also be in NYC which is important for networking. I wouldn't consider the NYU MSRE if you can do the NYU MBA, given that anyone with a pulse seems to get in to the NYU MSRE program

 

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