Kelley vs Baruch
I'm a rising college freshman pursuing finance (interest in PE or VC) deciding whether to commit to Indiana University Bloomington (Kelley school) or CUNY Baruch (at the Macaulay Honors college). I wasn't really expecting these college results, but trying to make the best of it. Here is the financial situation:
1) At IU, I would have to take out $20k/year in private loans after (very limited) financial aid and both school and external scholarships. My parents aren't contributing to my tuition so I will be responsible for paying off my student loans.
2) Since I got into the Macaulay Honors program, Baruch would be completely free. If I land a dorm in the city, I also have a $20k external scholarship which would cover that cost. If I don't get a dorm, I live in NYC so I would just live at home. Not ideal but probably financially a good decision.
IU isn't a school that I'm dying to go to, but it probably has better resources and networks. Meanwhile, the pro of Baruch would be its location. I also think IU would give more of a "college experience," but is that really worth $100k? I'm wondering if placements and opportunities at both schools are comparable. Would I be shooting myself in the foot if I choose Baruch?
Transferring to a better school after 1 or 2 years is definitely the goal, but I want to make this decision under the assumption that I will be going to this school for all 4 years in case transferring doesn't work out. Thanks for reading! Would appreciate any thoughts
Choosing between Indiana University Bloomington's Kelley School and CUNY Baruch's Macaulay Honors College is a significant decision, especially considering your interest in finance and the financial implications of each option. Here’s a breakdown to help you weigh your options:
Financial Considerations:
Academic and Career Opportunities:
College Experience:
Long-term Goals and Transferring:
Given these points, if minimizing debt and maintaining financial flexibility are priorities, Baruch appears to be a prudent choice, especially with the potential to live at home and graduate debt-free. This financial freedom could be beneficial if you aim to pursue further education or entrepreneurial ventures in PE or VC later on. However, if the college experience and possibly stronger initial placements are more important, and you are comfortable with the financial commitment, Kelley could be the way to go. Consider how each aligns with your personal circumstances and long-term career goals.
Sources: Affordability vs Better Opportunities, Which school to attend? Baruch, UCL or Warwick?, Am I crazy to choose Brown over Wharton?, College Decisions! Do I go with the bird in the hand or the two in the bush?, Another career-crisis / passion vs career post!
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Am interested, bump
What's your personality? Are you interested in a college town with greek life, Big10 sports, and 20,000 identical white girls with bleached hair? Or would you rather be in the city? If you don't really care about that kind of stuff I'd go Baruch. The savings are great and you can always transfer. Anecdotally, I've seen kids from Baruch here and there on the street too. If you're from NYC, I'm sure you're well aware of all the bars and restaurants filled with people in their 20s you can hang out at. IU is the better school sure, but not by 100k. Now with that being said, college is 4 years of your life that people look back on, so think outside of financials and career too. It might be good to experience 4 years of your life outside of where you grew up and live in bumfuck Indiana (IU actually has a beautiful campus). My vote is for Baruch tho. Can always transfer.
My college roommate HATED his time at Baruch. Met him when he transferred to my school. He equated it to community college vibes where no one spoke outside of class due to the large amt of people commuting. He did say the school was very easy tho and that there were generous curves so easy to get As with little effort.
Don’t know anything abt Kelley, my advice is to talk to people who actually go to these schools and get their thoughts instead of randos like me, just wanted to share this anecdote
Kudos for being this thoughtful about your future at such a young age. Speaking as a Baruch alum and someone who got the "college experience", I recommend going to Baruch and getting the dorm but caveat that you HAVE to be proactive in putting yourself out there so getting involved in a club / fraternity / extracurriculars otherwise it will feel like a continuation of NYC high school. I went to a party school (was involved in a frat / partying every week) before transferring to Baruch and while it was fun, it would NOT have been worth it if I had $100k looming over my head as I headed into adulthood.
One of my closest friends took out a similar amount in private loans and definitely wishes he went a cheaper route because the rates on private student loans are no joke. He pays around $10k in interest before he even touches the principal amount. Point being it will be more than $100k (on top of whatever additional expenses you rack up over those 4 years). So definitely more food for thought.
Baruch places kids on the street every year. I am example of that along with numerous others. You just have to be meticulously intentional in pursuing your career aspirations and not just going through the motions of only going to class then home - which is what 90% of Baruch students do then they wonder why they're unable to find an internship / job. The fact that you are already thinking about this before college puts you ahead of the curve. Like you mentioned, you have the option to transfer if Baruch is not your cup of tea (which is exactly what one of my friends did) so why not try it especially since it won't be financially burdensome. If your main concern is the "college experience", you're in NYC. There's ALWAYS something happening here. You can also visit your friends if they attend a party school.
Happy to answer any questions you may have.
When you compare location and cost on top of that- I would choose Baruch. Not to shit on IU Kelly or anything but you could always transfer to a target like NYU or Columbia if you choose to. Seen it happen with someone placed at BX. As someone mentioned above you definitely have to network like crazy and attend networking events, clubs, info sessions, etc. but definitely attainable. Seen a decent placement rate to the Street if you do a quick Linkedin search. Great that you are methodical and serious about your career early on. Wishing you the best of luck!
Baruch given the location and lack of looming debt. You’ll surely benefit from its location, even if Baruch is not a conventional target like Columbia or NYU, as you will have the option to take on off-cycle internships (this will be done alongside your school work). This can def get you some looks and experience before the recruitment cycle (assuming you’re motivated enough and can juggle the extra responsibility). Additionally, the lack of debt … need I say more? IU is great don’t get me wrong but not worth 100k+. College is what YOU make of it. Lastly, I have seen a far share of Baruch alumni working in CB, credit, or IB so it’s def possible to break in
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