Looking for some advice on deciding between the Wharton EMBA (SF) or UCLA EMBA program. I realize Wharton is higher ranked and more prestigious in the finance world, but there are some other factors I must consider. For my background:
Active Duty Navy for 13 years (Special Operations)
3.98 undergraduate GPA in Finance at a private university in Southern California
GMAT - taking it in a couple of weeks, I usually test well (SAT: 750 math/740 verbal)
Interested in working in SF at a large firm (PWM, IB, or wherever I fit best)
I would complete these programs while still on Active Duty and would have the option to exit the Navy and take a civilian job soon after completing either program. Using the GI Bill, the UCLA program would cost me $0 out of pocket. The Wharton program is currently ~$198k and the GI Bill would only cover ~$40k. It's a large cost disparity and I'm trying to figure out if Wharton would be worth the extra cost long-term. I do have a family so I have that to think about when it comes to taking out a six-figure student loan.
If cost were not an issue, I'd choose Wharton due to its reputation in the finance world, and its location in SF, which I assume would help me network and land a position there afterward. UCLA seems to have a great program as well.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
I would pick UCLA. looked at the title and thought Wharton is nobrainer, but EMBA doesn't give as much pull for job searches, and maybe you shouldn't get yourself in debt that much for a brand upgrade.
Still Wharton is pretty attractive in a few ways (worth double checking). EMBA grads use "MBA" in resume instead of "EMBA", which would be a boost in addition to the obviously stronger brand reputation. Not sure how ucla does it.
Also your location is a question. Ucla will be more expensive overall, and depending on where you'll travel from.
Thanks for your reply.
I would be commuting from San Diego for either program, so I'd drive to UCLA or I'd fly to SF for Wharton. I know a big part of the reason people pay big bucks for a program like Wharton is to help them get their foot in the door wherever they want to end up. What I'm wondering is if I may be able to get my foot in the door anyway with a unique background + UCLA eMBA, at a much lower cost financially.
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