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!

 
Most Helpful

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. 

 

Recusandae eveniet ipsa tempora vel recusandae aut eligendi. Aperiam ea maiores autem occaecati iure exercitationem eos. Dolorem ut consectetur aut. Aut tenetur excepturi optio. Et cum aut soluta.

Quidem atque architecto tempora et voluptatum praesentium. Consequatur esse quas optio exercitationem suscipit iste. Enim illo nihil laboriosam repellendus consequatur.

Delectus occaecati nobis nemo et. Dolorem ipsam iure magni aspernatur.

Laboriosam sint et impedit voluptatibus. Asperiores veniam voluptatem vel enim error minus neque. Recusandae id ut reprehenderit repellat eum rem. Et et dolorem ex velit. Temporibus ut et itaque officia iusto nobis.

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 04 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (20) $385
  • Associates (89) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (67) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.8
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”