Drexel (Full Ride) vs. UVA ($8.7K/yr) for Finance - Is McIntire Worth the Risk

Hey everyone-looking for some real advice from current students or alumni who know the ins and outs of UVA and McIntire.

I'm choosing between:

• Drexel University: I received a full-ride scholarship (Liberty Scholars Program). l'd major in Finance and take advantage of their nationally recognized co-op program, which is ranked #2 in the country for internships/co-ops (right after Northeastern). I'd graduate debt-free with 18 months of paid work experience on my resume.

Drexel has strong ties in Philly (where l'm from), and students often land well-paying corporate finance and wealth management roles quickly after graduation.

• UVA: I was admitted and based on need, l'd pay around $8.7K per year (so ~$35K total). I'm really interested in the McIntire School of Commerce—l know it's top-tier for finance and a known feeder for investment banking and consulting. But l'd have to apply to McIntire after freshman year (60% acceptance rate for UVA students). That uncertainty is stressing me out. If I don't get in, I feel like my finance career would be at a disadvantage.

  • Is McIntire worth the cost and risk?
  • How do UVA students view Drexel-especially knowing their internship/co-op setup is so strong?
  • Would you roll the dice for McIntire or lock in a debt-free degree with experience?

Thanks in advance-trying to make the smartest long-term choice.

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