I'm 25 and have my AA, I want to pursue a business degree ..in what I dint know. However I do hold a solid 3.5

Question

I considered a private university $$$ because of an accelerated masters program(3years from AA) and its accredidation level is good, but I also am unsure in which direction in business I would like to pursue. I thought maybe if I attend a cheaper public university and receive my BA...then go to a private (expensive) university for my masters. Long story short, I am moving soon to Florida and there is a private school and a public school 15 minutes apart and I want to make sure I choose the right one(have visited both). I guess what I am asking is it financially ok to attend the private 3 year program more so than the BA then pursue Masters?

Answer 1

In terms of getting a BS in business, good public schools and good private schools are similar. Business and engineering are actually two majors where the best state schools are as good or better than the best private universities. This is because most of the top private universities do not have undergraduate business schools. Three of the top five uyndergraduate business schools are public (Berkeley, Michigan and Virginia -- versus MIT and Wharton).

That being said, the quality drops off pretty quickly if you go to lower ranked public universities. In Florida, The Univeristy of Florida is the only school that I would recommend.

As for an MBA -- I do not recommend accelerated programs unless you are going to a school with a top rated MBA program. This is because I believe that a full-time MBA program is nearly useless unless you go to a ranked program. Ranked programs want you to have three to five years of work experience.

My advice is to go to the best undergraduate school tha tyou can get into. Get your BS. Work for a few years and then apply to top 15 MBA programs.

Answer 2

you have to be concerned about the accredidation of the private school. many private schools are just degree mills that take money from anybody. amae certain it is respected by grad schools and businesses and that you can use the credits at state universities in other states etc.
I know there are only about 4 or 5 accepted accredidation associations depending upon the region.

Answer 3

i would move to Florida and get a job or paid internship there and wait until you are eligible for in-state tuition. this will give you time to research both schools and see what direction you want to take. you seem intent on getting a masters degree but what is your reasoning behind this? could you be just as qualified for jobs in the area with a bacholers degree? I would probably go to the public school to get your bacholers degree but make sure to ask and see if all your credits will transfer to the private university. good luck!

Answer 4

For Florida in state tuition you need to be a resident one year. I would say that you need to weigh out the costs in both time and money. To complete your BA you will need two years and possibly more if you need to complete Florida general ed. requirements for university students. Then the master's degree will take you an additional two years. I would think that the accelerated program would be better but you will have to evaluate it for yourself. However, I would definitely wait a year because the difference in in state and out of state tuition will save you thousands of dollars.

Answer 5

Well, if you're just moving to Florida, you won't benefit from In State Tuition (unfortunately).

But I do suggest you take some more English lessons before pursuing the Bachelors. Then you'll be able to communicate better and we'll understand your options better.