Vanderbilt MSF or UIUC MSF for International Students?
Hi everyone,
I recently got accepted into both programs, and a 20K scholarship from Vanderbilt. I have two priorities 1. Cost of Attendance 2. Placement after graduation
UIUC MSF:
1.5 year program, large class size (100 students), COA: Tuition: 63K + COL: 20K
I can work part time to cover up living expenses
Placement after graduation: 91% Placement rate, 61K average Salary, 40% International students (No data given on international student placement, but I have stalked enough to know that no big name companies have hired international students, and most international students have 3 years of experience, as compared to me, who has 1)
Vanderbilt MSF:
10 Month program, small class zie (60 students), COA: 45K Tuition + COL: 15K
I cannot work part time to cover up expenses
Placement after graduation: 100% Placement rate, 95K average Salary, 20% International students (All International students have receieved offers before graduation from top companies: McKinsey, Bain, PwC etc), program designed towards students with little to no experience.
My dilemma is that, I will be taking a loan to pay off my tuition and COL. If I join UIUC, I will be able to take part in On Campus jobs to help pay off for living + food, plus I will also have time for an internship track. It will give me enough time to figure things out in the US, as I will be coming directly from Pakistan. For Vanderbilt, I will have to take a loan for the entire Cost of the Program, and just hope I get a job within 9 months. Otherwise, I will be screwed for life with SUCH a huge amount of loan.
Pls help. Thank you so much!
Vanderbilt's MSF is one of the top programs in the country. UIUC is a great college as well, but their MSF program is no where close to Vandy's.
You have 2 scenario's in front of you:
Scenario 1:
Go to UIUC. Work part-time. Not be guaranteed placement.
Scenario 2:
Go to Vandy's top MSF program. Take the huge loan. Not guaranteed, but a HUGE chance of getting placed in top companies.
This is about risk and the reward. As an international student you should know that no matter where you go you are not guaranteed to get a job. By attending UIUC you will be able to minimize your risk of the loan amount by working on campus, but the program won't be as great for placement. By attending Vandy, while not guaranteed placement, the program places well in top companies for both U.S. citizens and Internationals. It will be up to you to leverage the alumni network of Vandy and get yourself an interview. Think about the loan as a short term investment. Once you can get yourself a job at MBB/BBs, your life will be mostly set.
If anything: it's worth asking Vandy if they can increase the scholarship amount. This has worked before for other students and if anything will minimize your risk.
Vandy's MSF places into boutiques. And boutiques don't sponsor visa. So, as an international, don't expect much. That being said, Vandy's MSF is much better if you're interested in IB/corp fin. UIUC is better if you wanna do quant.
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