Deciding Between IU Kelley and Wake Forest for Finance (IB Focus)

Hi everyone,

I'm currently deciding between Indiana University Kelley (OOS) and Wake Forest for undergrad. Planning to major in finance and aiming to break into investment banking (IB is the priority, but open to consulting, AM, or corp fin if needed). Would appreciate any advice from people who know about these schools or have been through a similar choice.

Some context about me:

• Cost: ~$59k/year at IU (small scholarship) vs ~$92k/year at Wake (full price).
• Environment: Open to both big public school vibe (IU) and smaller/private (Wake).
• Career Goals: IB is the top goal due to exit opps, but flexible if it doesn't work out.
• Location Preferences: NYC is the dream, but open to Chicago, Boston, or even the South.
• Networking: Willing to grind networking, but would prefer a place where alumni and pipelines help a bit more naturally.
• Social Life: Would likely join Greek life at Wake (big there), probably not at IU unless a business frat. Campus life matters but I'm not super into crazy partying.

• Special Programs:

  • IU Kelley has the IBW (apply sophomore year) — would 100% aim for this. Anecdotally, I haven't heard of anyone who didn't get into IBW who broke into banking, although I'm sure some have.
  • Wake has a Pre-Wall Street track which I've heard is very helpful if you get in, but I've heard a lot of people also broke into banking without doing it  

Pros and Cons I See So Far:

IU Kelley
Pros:

• Bigger name in business/finance, especially Midwest
• IBW is very strong (if I get in)
• Cheaper
• Larger alumni network 

Cons: 

• IBW is very competitive to get into (no guarantee)
• Bigger school = may have to hustle harder to stand out early

Wake Forest
Pros: 

• Strong east coast placement, some pipelines to NYC
• Smaller classes, more personalized career help
• Pre-Wall Street track could be an advantage early

Cons: 

• Much more expensive (~$33k/year more)
• Overall, smaller "brand name" outside the South / East Coast

Would love to hear your advice:

• Which school would set me up better for IB recruiting, given my situation?
• How much weight should I give to the big cost difference?
• How would you compare the IB pipelines / strength of the alumni networks?
• Should I consider applying for a transfer before my sophomore year? At IU, I'd definitely apply for some, but I'm a bit more hesitant to at Wake.