Haas (scholarship) vs. Columbia (no scholarship) - Fulltime MBA

Hi WSO Community,

I wanted to get your input on a decision I am wrestling with. I have applied to MBA programs. I was accepted into Haas and Columbia’s fulltime programs. I received substantial scholarship money from Haas (50%) and none from Columbia, yet I am leaning towards Columbia. I fear it does not have the same brand recognition as Columbia and a smaller alumni network. Long-term I feel this will come back to bite me, especially since I plan on coming back to the East coast after the program. If you had to choose between Columbia and Haas given the scholarship situation and your knowledge of the brand recognition/network of the programs what would you choose?

Thanks!

3 Comments
 

If you want NY finance or to work in Europe, then Columbia.

Otherwise, I'd take Haas. To me they're virtually equals in aggregate, but with very different strengths and weaknesses.

The truth is you're the weak. And I'm the tyranny of evil men. But I'm tryin', Ringo. I'm tryin' real hard to be the shepherd.
 

Id ut quasi eos molestiae qui velit. Autem et voluptatem molestiae quae. Voluptate maxime maiores blanditiis.

Natus ea qui eligendi maxime. Vitae voluptates alias recusandae totam dolor quas expedita. Cumque eum itaque voluptatem cupiditate sapiente veniam quos.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (15) $434
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (80) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”