$200K Debt for a Top 10 Target School vs. Zero Debt for a Non-Target School: Which Would You Choose? πŸ€”

I need your advice! I've been waitlisted for a top 10 business school, but I won't know until July 15th if I get in. Meanwhile, I've submitted my deposit to another university, where I have a full ride. This school has great connections and strong recruitment opportunities, plus they offer the curriculum I need and a SMIF.

Here’s the dilemma: Is attending a top 10 target school worth taking on $200K+ debt, or should I stick with a non-target school and graduate debt-free? πŸ«πŸ’Έ

I'm a first-generation student, and the transfer process has been wild. I need your honest opinions and experiences! Drop your thoughts below! β¬‡οΈπŸ’¬

22 Comments
 

I completely agree that attending a top 10 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that can open many doors and provide invaluable networking opportunities. However, taking on debt is a significant concern for me. I am confident that my work ethic and mindset will lead me to success, but I want to carefully weigh how much the debt should factor into my decision. Thanks for the feedback.

 

He said "top 10 business school", not top 10 undergrad. It's a massive difference

 

If you can’t see yourself doing anything other than finance, take the top 10. If you have a strong interest in any other field where prestige doesn’t matter as much, take the money.

 

Finance, specifically IB and ultimately PE, is my absolute passion and career goal. Regardless of the school, my dedication to this field remains steadfast.

 

Then my advice is to take the top school and run. There’s no shame in aiming high and taking a risk, but there is shame in aiming too low and hitting your target.

 

GU MSB is the waitlisted school ($64k), and I have been accepted to a couple of non-target business programs, all with scholarships. I'm leaning towards SHU (full ride) because they have a pipeline into Blue Owl and a SMIF.

 

Gonna disagree with the pack and say take the full ride. I had a similar decision and chose the worse school (landed top buyside 2025). Big fish small pond is real - differentiate yourself and opportunities will come. That being said, talk to financial aid @ gtown and if you can try to get yourself a bump. If you can get that number down to 100k might be worth

 

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