IU Kelley or OSU Fisher (undergrad)

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's a breakdown to help you decide between IU Kelley and OSU Fisher for your career goals and overall college experience:

Career Prospects:

1. IU Kelley:

   • Kelley is widely recognized for its Investment Banking Workshop (IBW), which is a standout program for students targeting careers in investment banking. The IBW has a strong track record of placing students into top firms like Citigroup, Moelis, and even elite boutiques like PJT.
   • Kelley places ~80+ candidates per year into investment banking roles, which is impressive for a non-target school. However, success often depends on early involvement in the IBW and networking with professors and upperclassmen.
   • For private equity and consulting, Kelley’s alumni network and placement are solid, though not as strong as top-tier target schools. The school’s large class size can make standing out more challenging.

2. OSU Fisher:

   • Fisher is a solid business school, but it does not have the same level of specialized programs or placement strength in investment banking or private equity as Kelley. While Fisher has connections in corporate finance and consulting, breaking into IB or PE from OSU may require more self-driven networking and off-campus recruiting.
   • The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Scholars Program could be a great fit if you’re interested in startups or venture capital, but it’s less directly aligned with IB/PE.

Campus Culture and Social Life:

1. IU Kelley:

   • Kelley offers a vibrant campus life with a strong Greek system and a collaborative business school culture. Fraternities and sororities play a significant role in networking and social life, especially for finance students.
   • Bloomington is known for its college-town vibe, with plenty of social events and activities. Sports are popular, but IU’s athletic programs don’t have the same national prominence as OSU’s.

2. OSU Fisher:

   • OSU has a legendary sports culture, especially with its football program. If you’ve grown up an OSU fan, the game-day experience and school spirit might be hard to beat.
   • Columbus is a growing city with a mix of urban and college-town vibes, offering more professional opportunities locally compared to Bloomington.

Key Considerations for Your Decision:

• Professional Goals: If investment banking or private equity is your primary focus, Kelley’s IBW gives it a clear edge. However, you’ll need to be proactive in joining the IBW and building relationships early.
• Cost and Fit: If OSU offers significant financial advantages (e.g., in-state tuition or scholarships), it might be worth considering, especially if you’re open to exploring consulting or corporate finance.
• Social Life: OSU’s sports culture and your personal connection to the school could make it a better fit for your overall college experience.

Successful Paths:

• At IU Kelley, aim to join the IBW as early as possible, participate in finance-related clubs, and leverage the alumni network for internships and full-time roles.
• At OSU Fisher, focus on excelling academically, joining finance or consulting clubs, and networking aggressively with alumni in your target industries.

Ultimately, Kelley is the stronger choice for breaking into IB/PE, while OSU offers a more traditional college experience with strong sports culture and a growing business reputation. If you’re willing to put in the extra effort to network and recruit, either school can lead to success.

Sources: Ohio State Fisher, Indiana Kelley, Villanova, or Emory for business undergrad?, Last-minute Decision: Vanderbilt vs. IU-Kelley (undergrad), IU Kelley Prestige, IU Kelley Transfer Prospects, UCLA vs IU Kelley