Making a Decision-- UCSD vs Brandeis vs UIUC --MSF programs

Hi guys, I wish to hear some advice from you to help me decide which MSF program I should go this year. UCSD vs Brandeis vs UIUC MSF I am an international student and I hope to stay in the states for the next 5-10 years before I figure out my life goal. As far as I am concerned, both UCSD and Brandeis has STEM designation, which means a bigger chance (STEM offers 3 years of time to get H1B sponsor instead of 1 year) of getting a work Visa after graduation. However, they both are quite new and placement stats are extremely limited (especially stats on Int. students). I also understand that UIUC has one of the oldest (maybe also reputable) MSF program and it is somewhat close to Chicago, BUT it has no STEM.

In order to increase my odds to stay in the states, I put UIUC aside. So between UCSD and Brandeis, what suggestions would you give? Plus, is it reasonable to you that I deny UIUC just because it has no STEM?

At this stage, being able to stay in the states (with whatever job or in whatever industry) is more important than getting an awesome job in the finance industry after graduation. BUT, if the chances are pretty close, I'd choose finance industry, especially consulting/corporate finance.

**With the note that my main purpose is to stay, which school would you recommend? Thanks a ton! **

PS: I first asked for TNA's (very informed user) help, but I also know that you guys are very informed too, please help! :)

3 Comments
 

Sunt temporibus eius sequi aut. Ex optio sed quia voluptates voluptates et perferendis. Rem iure recusandae voluptatem dolor maxime illo repellat expedita. Eaque sint itaque sapiente enim voluptates.

Est est aliquid excepturi illum amet qui enim eos. Et maiores ex esse ipsam. Non vero nihil et officiis ducimus autem. Aut omnis necessitatibus fugit necessitatibus est excepturi.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (66) $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

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
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...”