T20 full price vs strong regional for ~20k
Honest advice needed!!
I was recently admitted to the full time MBA at a t20 program in the city i currently live. the program is 21 months, has 250 students, and full price. tuition is roughly 55k annually and expected salary + signing bonus at exit are around 155k + 35k respectively.
I am also admitted to the 15 month full time program at a strong regional in my hometown. The cohort is about 70 and my scholarship brings tuition and fees to ~20k total. this university has deep connections in its city but lacks the same structured recruiting pipelines and published expected salaries as the t20. however, top students typically achieve 90% of the t20 average numbers due to the density of top employers in the city.
About me: I have 8+ yrs exp in fortune 50 program mgmt/software dev project management and financial services roles. the t20 would require me to take loans with 10 yr monthly payments of $700+ at current 8% int rates. I like the city i currently live in but cost of living is similar to home and i would be okay relocating with the guarantee of my post grad career beginning there as well.
Pay for the prestige or exit early with 90% of the ceiling and zero debt - would you do?