Hi everyone,

Would appreciate your opinions regarding a tough choice I have to make.

I'm fortunate to have been admitted to the Booth and Darden Executive MBA programs, with a $25K scholarship award for both. I'm aiming for a career change with the EMBA, preferably in financial services. Money is tight and is an important factor. Do you think it's worth taking on more debt (around $45K more) for the higher-ranking of Booth? Does the alumni network and the CDO justify the higher cost? The difference is not only in tuition difference, but also an estimate of accommodations, travel, etc., that I would have to account for.

Thanks and look forward to your advise.

I think it probably does. Look at the alumni networks. Chicago has a solid core and a strong quant reputation.

I'm curious about why you would aim for the executive programs, rather than for a full-time program, which would be the traditional route into the finance sector.

Simply put, I don't fit the profile for the full-time MBA program and am more suited for the Executive profile.

Of course this also depends on goals and what you want. I took a post-MBA program at Darden (Love the Darden Inn!) and did a EMBA class visit at Booth. Personally, Darden was a much better cultural fit for me and felt more like home. But maybe the financial value is a more sensible criterion?

[Edited by Duncan on Mar 27, 2020]

Oh, don't get me wrong, I like Darden a lot! And the EMBA Program is held just outside Washington, DC and I'm very familiar with the area. I know I'm a good fit at Darden and I believe I'll ease right into Booth, as well. Again, I guess it's a good problem to have to choose between the two, but I really am seeking the program with the stronger recruiters and career development office to get a career change.