Need help deciding -Villanova MSF or Boston College MSF/MAcc

Are you saying you'd graduate with both the MSF and MAcc at BC? Is there a substantial cost difference – say, $30,000 versus $15,000? Or is it more like $30,000 vs $25,000?

My gut would be Nova, but BC has a much higher ranked B-school. Maybe ANT has something to say.

Villanova.

Well, the MAcc may or may not be useful. If you want to be an accountant and get a CPA, BC makes sense. BUT, if you don't, I'd wager that the MSF alone at either would be fine. Nova > BC, for the MSF, though.

'Nova

Is there any particular reason why everyone is endorsing Villanova over BC? You said it yourself UncleMilty, BC has a much higher ranked B-school. Is there something that I'm not seeing?

Also, I don't have a huge inclination to be an accountant, but I was under the impression that more education could never be a bad thing. I do have a huge interest in finance, but having an accounting degree to fall back on would be like a safety net of sorts.

I respect this boards insights and appreciate the assistance.

More education can be a problem in this sense:
In considering what sort of graduate work I'd want to pursue, I spoke to a couple of folks in finance, varying in fields from hedge funds, IBD, and equity research to corporate law. They suggested that a combined JD/MBA would be a mistake — lawyers see you as a banker and bankers see you as a lawyer. One could help, but two is both costly, too much time, and doesn't really add much. From this perspective, why would you want bankers to call you an accountant, and accountants to think you're a banker? Banking, at least, according to mergers and inquisitions, doesn't require much more than elementary algebra, a good work ethic, and some knowledge of financial accounting.

Regarding BC vs. Nova, I think my experience is colored by ANT's comments about Nova. Realistically, you're looking at roughly equivalent student bodies — same GMAT average (roughly), same undergrad GPA (roughly), same number of female students, same amount of work experience, etc.

Placement, I think, is the distinguishing factor, though. BC's placement (http://www.bc.edu/content/bc/schools/csom/graduate/msf/admission/MSF_CL…) is pretty weak compared to Nova's. Nova boasts 25 of 31 of the last class employed, with 1 in a PhD program. I say 31 because this, http://www.villanova.edu/business/graduate/finance/Admissions/msf_class…, lists the class size as 31.

What about BC MSA placement, is there any comparable information?

When you out it like that, it does put things into perspective. I will certainly rethink the "more is better" mentality.

To be honest, what I'm really looking for upon graduation is a decent job offer. I know the stats for Villanova are good but does anyone have any personal experience with their career services? Do companies actively recruit at Nova? And just to give BC a fair chance, does anyone have some personal experience with their career services as well?

I'd also like to thank you UncleMilty for taking the time to respond consistently to my questions. Your advice has been invaluable.

BC is a night time program with a lot of working professionals. Their new day time, cohort, quant MSF is going to be where all the fresh UGs go.

I think BC has solid placement stats, but they are "weaker" than novas simply because a lot of working professionals are in the program and don't need to be placed. BC and Villanova both have a strong brand and program. Sounds to me like you need to decide which campus you like and cost of program.

FYI-you can do a Macc and MSF at nova also, but you can do the Macc online and on campus in the summer, with less opportunity cost.

Hmm, thanks ANT for the response. Since you went to Nova and I know you partook in the Fellow program, could you give me some insight on it? Was it a good resume builder and was it an enjoyable experience?

In regards to doing a MAcc at Nova, I couldn't take both at the same time right? It would be, complete the MSF, then spent the summer at Nova and finish the course online, correct?

The fellowship is great. Pretty huge honor, IMO. You help professors with research and the selection process is tough. If that doesn't indicate academic ability and quality i don't know what else will.

I don't think you could do the Macc at the same time, but ask. You might be able to take some extra classes or something. Not 100% sure, but I am sure it might be possible.

Both schools really are great. I have a lot of respect for BC and know the adcoms well. Make the choice you feel most comfortable with. Either way I think you will be very happy and successful.

What are the recruiting stats for the BC Macc program? Is it mostly just Boston companies or does it get respect from surrounding cities like NYC/Philly/D.C?

BC and Villanova get Big 4 recruiting so either Macc program can get you into those firms. For smaller places I am sure BC will be better for Boston and Villanova for Philly.

Thanks for your response ANT, they're very reassuring. Just curious, do you know much about BC's graduate assistantship program? I called the school to inquire and it seems more like administrative jobs than working with the faculty as in the case with Nova.

And just to get a second opinion, what do you think of obtaining dual MSF/MAcc degrees? I feel UncleMilty raises some decent points but to get more views is always better.

Not too familiar with the GA program at BC. Each school is different though. The fellowship at Nova is research based, that is all I know.

As far as the MSF/MAcc degree, I think they fit well. I mean if your goal is to get into banking you don't really need to MAcc, but if you were undecided and wanted as many options as possible then go for it.

I'm sincerely grateful for everyone's help.

As of this moment, I'm still torn between the two schools but I think I have a better picture of where they both stand now due to all the input. I'll most likely attend Nova if I'm accepted into the Fellow Program. If not, then I'll tackle that issue when it arises.

Thank you all again. If there are people interested I'll update this when I make my final decision.