Can somebody please advise? I'm going to start applying for MBA programs soon and I'm looking at a few local programs (in Utah) - Brigham Young (where I did my undergrad,) and the University of Utah.

But people I've talked to have said that it's better to aim for a larger, more nationally-oriented program, like the ones at NYU or Dartmouth.

I'm thinking that if I'm not planning on working outside of Utah, that a closer MBA program might be better (and far cheaper.) Any thoughts?

The quality of education is high at BYU. If you are working only with Utah clients then I can't see a reason to leave, assuming that you like Utah. But for a wider network, and more brand equity, a national school is stronger.

I generally agree with Duncan.

It might also depend on your chosen career field - BYU has really strong placements in technology and consumer goods. But if wanted to go into finance, say, something closer to Wall Street would arguably be better, even if you intended to come back to Utah.

Tuition for in-state students is a really good deal at BYU.

Thank you both for your help.

I actually work in logistics in the petroleum industry. I was thinking it might be worth doing an out-of-state program that focuses on energy, but the MBA program I was looking at at Texas (McCombs) is almost $100k for out-of-state students. I'll probably stick with something local.