Utah vs Pittsburgh (Finance PhD)

[vera j]

Hi guys,

I've been struggling with making the decision between these two programs. 

I think Utah has a better place from UTD & ASU ranking. Professors are more diversified and the prof/student ratio is lower, but Pittsburgh has a better location and professors there are all doing researches in corporate finance. Pittsburgh also has a better overall reputation, but I think the program is more stressful though, from 2015, it takes all the students 6 years to go to job market. I asked the coordinator and he said it's due to research benefit, I guess it's because they require students to have good papers on hand in order for better placement, and thus better reputation for the program. It's still funded though, with some duties in research or teaching.

Utah has lighter teaching load, you only need to teach 1 class before graduation.

Their funding packages are quite the same.

Their placements are in the same tier I think, Pitt has sru, u of mississippi, nc state u, clemson u, and Utah has loyola marymount, south carolina and central florida...

Please help me out. Any comment will be appreciated!

Thank you.

Edited March 22, 2018 by vera j
Add more info

[rising_star]

Have you visited both programs? Have you talked to graduate students in both programs? Is there a place where you think you'd be more comfortable? 

[vera j]

12 minutes ago, rising_star said:

Have you visited both programs? Have you talked to graduate students in both programs? Is there a place where you think you'd be more comfortable? 

Nope, they didn't even interview applicants for this year. I spoke to current students in both programs, but since they are current or maybe because of different personalities, some of them didn't answer some questions directly... especially those from Pittsburgh... which makes me worry more... I don't have a preference between Salt Lake City or Pittsburgh. 

[rising_star]

Just because they didn't interview applicants doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't visit. Being on the ground somewhere is the best way to get a feel for a program, though I realize it isn't always possible. You may want to try asking more/different current students your questions if you still have some that are unanswered. If you haven't already, you might suggest a phone/video chat, rather than email, since they may be wary of critiquing their program in email. 

[vera j]

On 2018/3/21 at 9:43 PM, rising_star said:

Just because they didn't interview applicants doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't visit. Being on the ground somewhere is the best way to get a feel for a program, though I realize it isn't always possible. You may want to try asking more/different current students your questions if you still have some that are unanswered. If you haven't already, you might suggest a phone/video chat, rather than email, since they may be wary of critiquing their program in email. 

Thanks for the advice, I emailed coordinators of both programs, one already replied and welcome me to the campus visit, I think I'll go and feel it.