DePaul MSF in Chicago or Fairfield University MSF near NYC

Hey guys! I am currently in a conflict selecting grad school between DePaul and Fairfield. I have 2 years experience in venture capital and would love to secure a similar job after graduation. I know both of them are not great schools but I only got offers from them.
DePaul is said to have great reputation in Chicago. No doubt about that.
I was recently told that Fairfield Dolan business school has almost 100% placement. I am just wondering if it's true and are there a lot of PE/VC firms around Fairfield/Stamford area?

Thank you!

25 Comments
 

I mean neither school is "ideal". IMO, DePaul probably has the location advantage. As for Fairfields 100% placement, maybe this is true, but do you care about quantity or quality of placement? I'd probably go with DePaul.

 

Yeah, I mean I am sure SMU is probably the big time program there. UTD most likely has a sizable population of working professionals. All depends on your goals. VC/PE from UTD? Massive stretch. F500 or a decent local gig, most likely doable.

 

My question would be why are you leaving your gig to only try and get a similar one right after? Also, what are your stats? Maybe you shortchanged yourself and are competitive elsewhere.

FutureDoc is correct in saying that neither of these programs are optimal when it comes to your goals. If you HAD to choose between them I would say DePaul.

 

Well I had my bachelor's degree from Fisher (OSU) and went back to Shanghai for about 2 years. I currently worked as an analyst in a local VC firm and I intend to settle in US after MSF graduation. I choose not to go to Tulane (MFin) since the program length is less than a year which means it's almost impossible to find a job given my international student status. low gpa, 720 GMAT, decent experience, CFA level 2 candidate. The tuition in Fairfield is about 1/2 of DePaul's and I could imagine the high living cost in Chicago.

 

You got a 720 GMAT and have CFA level 1 done. You'll get in elsewhere.

Why did you end up with such a low GPA? Extenuating circumstances? Shoot me a PM if you want to talk privately.

 

I didn't really focus on studies back in college. But you can't change the past right... I did pass CFA level 1 this june. What schools do you think I have a shot with given my stats? Thanks.

 

A colleague of mine has an MSF from Fairfield. He went from there to doing fundamental analysis at a hedge fund. Id assume he's an outlier. Plus, idk how much VC is in the surrounding area.

Interested to hear how you fare with other programs- have a very similar background. It's a weird spot BC MSF almost doesn't seem worth it and an MBA at top 20 schools may be a stretch. But that's annecotal evidence that I gathered...

I'm on the pursuit of happiness and I know everything that shine ain't always gonna be gold. I'll be fine once I get it
 

I got offers from Tulane, DePaul, Fairfield, Uni.of Denver, UTD, USF...my ultimate choice would be between DePaul and Fairfield.

 

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I'm on the pursuit of happiness and I know everything that shine ain't always gonna be gold. I'll be fine once I get it

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