OSU OR INDIANA UNIVERSITY

I have been going back and forth for a while between going to Ohio state or Indiana university. Indiana obviously has a better business school including the IBW but the social scene doesn’t seem different. I live near Ohio state and the fisher futures program is good but less chance to get into a BB or EB. Is it worth sacrificing having a bad college experience to get a good job. Also is fisher futures good from past experiences for you guys?

6 Comments
 

Im an OSU alum who went through futures. Obviously IU places much better than Ohio State, but unless your on scholarship or have your parents paying for everything, I’d take OSU given the tuition will be 3x less. You’ll still have good opportunities if you network well, and if you end up at a MM, can always lateral after a year. Also IBW is a lot tougher to get into than Futures

 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know:

  1. Indiana University (IU Kelley):

    • Kelley is widely recognized for its strong business program, particularly the Investment Banking Workshop (IBW). However, the IBW is highly competitive, admitting only about 70 students per year from a large pool of applicants.
    • Kelley has a solid reputation for placing students into top-tier investment banking roles, including BB (Bulge Bracket) and EB (Elite Boutique) firms. If you're focused on IB and can secure a spot in the IBW, Kelley offers a significant advantage.
  2. Ohio State University (OSU Fisher):

    • Fisher's Fisher Futures program is a standout feature, with a strong track record of placing students into investment banking roles. For example, one WSO thread highlights a 95% placement rate for Fisher Futures students, with offers from firms like Goldman Sachs, Citi, JPMorgan, Evercore, and Lazard.
    • Networking is key at OSU. While it may not be a traditional "target school," alumni connections and the Fisher Futures program can help you break into Wall Street with enough effort.
    • OSU also offers the benefit of in-state tuition and proximity to home, which can be a significant financial and personal advantage.
  3. Social Scene and College Experience:

    • Both schools have vibrant social scenes, but the experience can vary based on personal preferences. If you're concerned about having a "bad college experience," it's worth considering how much the environment and proximity to home matter to you.
  4. Key Considerations:

    • If your primary goal is to maximize your chances of landing a top-tier IB role, IU Kelley with the IBW is the stronger option. However, this path requires you to secure a spot in the IBW, which is highly competitive.
    • If cost, proximity to home, and a solid (though slightly less competitive) path to IB are important, OSU Fisher is a great choice, especially with the Fisher Futures program.

Ultimately, the decision depends on your priorities: career outcomes vs. college experience vs. financial considerations. Both schools can lead to success in IB with the right effort and networking.

Sources: Ohio State Fisher, Indiana Kelley, Villanova, or Emory for business undergrad?, Kelley School of Business at Indiana University or University of Florida?, Ohio State Fischer School of Business for IB, Worth transferring? (OSU to UMich), Ohio State MSF vs Villanova MSF

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

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