Vandy MSF or NYU MSRE

Just grad from non-target small school need help deciding whether to go to Vandy MSF or NYU MSRE, ideally trying to go into finance specifically real estate in NYC. Ideally would've loved to work at a firm right out of college but got denied from everywhere. Could use some help if you have any opinions on the topic. Thanks. 

7 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know:

  1. Vandy MSF:

    • Vanderbilt's MSF program has strong placement in finance roles, including investment banking and private equity. It is particularly well-regarded for its alumni network and reputation in the finance industry.
    • While it is not specifically tailored to real estate, the program's general finance focus could still provide a solid foundation for transitioning into real estate finance roles.
    • Vanderbilt's reputation and alumni network are stronger overall compared to many other programs, which could be advantageous for networking and job placement.
  2. NYU MSRE:

    • NYU's Masters in Real Estate is deeply rooted in the Manhattan real estate industry, making it an excellent choice for someone targeting real estate finance in NYC.
    • The program is highly practical, with a curriculum focused on modeling, investment decisions, and real-world applications. Professors are often industry professionals with significant experience in real estate.
    • The NYC location and the program's strong connections to the local real estate market provide unparalleled networking opportunities, especially for internships and post-graduation roles.

Recommendation:

If your primary goal is to break into real estate finance in NYC, NYU MSRE is likely the better choice due to its specialized focus, strong industry ties, and location advantage. However, if you are open to broader finance roles or want a more versatile finance degree, Vandy MSF could be a strong contender, especially if you leverage its alumni network effectively.

Ultimately, consider your financial situation, the cost of each program, and your willingness to network aggressively in either case. Both programs can lead to success, but NYU MSRE aligns more closely with your stated goal of entering NYC real estate finance.

Sources: NYU Masters Real Estate vs. Non-Ivy MBA, Baruch MBA vs. NYU MSRE

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

I'm in the same exact situation as you, and I'm starting the NYU MSRE in a month. Seems like if you want to be in NYC and real estate finance, it's a no-brainer. The NYU alumni base is massive in the city and places well. 

 

Vandy all the way. I toured and all the students had offers before graduating and everyone I spoke to had offers in the Northeast. Boston/NYC

I worked at a firm with SEVERAL NYC MSRE graduates and they were..... not up to par. They did get the job though (Southeast).

 
Most Helpful

I did undergrad at Vandy and have friends who did the MSF. I also did my masters at NYU Schack. If you want to work in real estate in NY - go to NYU Schack. You’re paying for the network and access to jobs. Not the education. Don’t get me wrong - the education is important. But you’re paying for the network. NYU grads are at many firms in the city which means you can network into them. 

 

For a finance role specifically real estate in NYC, the answer is the NYU MSRE finance and investment track. The alumni base is self-sufficient and self-contained in the program, mature (it's one of the oldest re program in the country), and generally massive (from NY/C, self-select to live, work, raise families in the area), and definitely help each other out if you do the work (get internships++; network) and you reach out consistently (most important!). 

 

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