Big decision: Broad or Smeal

greg freem...

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Posted Feb 11, 2015 16:15

I've got admits for both of these schools and need to make a decision. I'm working in supply chain.

I'm torn because there's some conflicting information concerning the rankings. Broad is ranked better by both Financial Times and Businessweek, that much is clear.

However, the information on Businessweek says that Smeal grads have average salaries of around $101,000, which is about $10,000 more than Broad grads. I'm all about the bottom line so in this sense I am leaning towards Broad.

Surveying LinkedIn for graduate information doesn't provide any clear results, but they both seem to do well for supply chain so that seems like a wash to me.

What should I do?

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Duncan

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Posted Feb 11, 2015 19:58

I think you mean that Smeal folk earn much LESS than Broad grads. Salary differences often reflect taxes and other cost of living differences in those states more than quality. In this case, however, Broad is the better school on almost every variable in the FT ranking.

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greg freem...

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Posted Feb 16, 2015 14:19

That's what's baffling: according to Businessweek, Smeal grads make about $101,000, whereas Broad grads make $91,000:

http://www.bloomberg.com/bschools/rankings/full_time_mba_profiles/pennstate.html
http://www.bloomberg.com/bschools/rankings/full_time_mba_profiles/michstate.html

Not sure what to make of this, as it is conflicting with most other factors.

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Duncan

14.013 15.475

Posted Feb 16, 2015 14:44

That could be PPP differences, or different years?

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badux

218 266

Posted Feb 18, 2015 09:46

Looking at the current career reports at least, a larger percentage of Smeal grads from that class went into consulting roles (27 percent vs. 6 percent...); and since consulting careers pay more in general, this is probably what's inflating the Smeal salaries.

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greg freem...

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Posted Feb 24, 2015 16:39

I've decided to go with Broad. Thanks for the assist!

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