COMPARE Cornell University MFE vs Columbia University MAFN vs Columbia University MSOR

[FishInQuant]

Hey everyone,

Looking for some advice as I navigate final decisions for Fall 2025. I applied to Columbia’s MFE program but was admitted to the MSOR (Master in Operations Research) program instead. Now I’m debating whether to fully commit or keep waiting for other decisions. While a number of schools on my list haven’t released their results yet, the main question on my mind is whether I should lock in the MSOR offer, or hold out a bit longer for Columbia’s MAFN program and Cornell’s MFE (ORIE)—both of which I’m still waiting on.

I’ve taken some time to go through the MSOR curriculum, and I noticed that two of their tracks offer courses that closely align with what’s taught in Columbia’s MFE program. From that perspective, it seems like I’d still be able to build a solid foundation for a career in quantitative risk. That said, I’m wondering how MSOR actually compares to MAFN and Cornell’s MFE when it comes to recruiting, career preparation, and overall positioning for quant roles—especially in risk or trading.

Would either MAFN or Cornell’s ORIE MFE put me at a noticeable advantage over MSOR, or is the gap smaller than it seems? Any insights on the career outcome of those programs would be hugely appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Admitted:

• Columbia University – MSOR
• University of Southern California – MS in Financial Engineering
• Washington University in St. Louis – MS in Quantitative Finance

Waitlisted:

• Cornell University – MEng in ORIE

 

[Andy Nguyen]

Are you under any deadline or requirement to join a program this year instead of next year?

 

[FishInQuant]

Are you under any deadline or requirement to join a program this year instead of next year?

Since I’m an international student, I plan to start this fall and probably won’t reapply next year. Just trying to make the most informed decision possible within the current cycle.

 

[Andy Nguyen]

Please add your profile and timelines to the Tracker. Thank you.
I wouldn't do MSOR under any circumstance. Either Columbia MAFN or Cornell MFE is a proper quant program with dedicated career services.
You don't want to be one of the several hundreds students under the IEOR dept fighting for a small amount of resources.
Read the reviews of the Columbia MFE program. Even their graduates don't recommend the MFE program.

 

[FishInQuant]

Please add your profile and timelines to the Tracker. Thank you.
I wouldn't do MSOR under any circumstance. Either Columbia MAFN or Cornell MFE is a proper quant program with dedicated career services.
You don't want to be one of the several hundreds students under the IEOR dept fighting for a small amount of resources.
Read the reviews of the Columbia MFE program. Even their graduates don't recommend the MFE program.

Thanks Andy, really appreciate the direct feedback.


Yeah, I’ve definitely been getting the sense that MSOR isn’t ideal for breaking into quant finance, especially given how broad the ORIE department is. I was trying to see if the flexibility of the MSOR curriculum (especially the Financial & Management track) could still position me well for quant risk roles—but it sounds like the lack of dedicated career support and oversaturation is a big drawback.


I’ll keep holding out for Columbia MAFN and Cornell MFE. If either of those comes through, I’d definitely prefer them over MSOR. Just a bit tricky with the visa timeline, which is why I locked in the MSOR spot for now. Really appreciate the honest advice—it helps a lot.

 

[Andy Nguyen]

Fingers crossed that you hear from other programs.
Speaking of which, you should add those applications to the Tracker.

 

[siuuuu]

Hi Andy, I wanted to ask—do you not recommend the CU MFE program at all, even if it’s not the OR major that the original poster mentioned? I’ve received an offer from the MFE program in the IEOR department and I’m currently debating whether I should accept it.

I haven’t applied to the MAFN program yet, and since the application deadline hasn’t passed, do you think I should consider applying as well? Would you say MAFN is a better option than MFE if I end up having both offers?

For some background: I’m an international student with less direct quant experience. My previous role was in IBD, and while I have some coding experience from undergrad (though my major wasn’t CS), I’m hoping to shift my career path more toward quant through this program.

 

[Andy Nguyen]

Hi @siuuuu
My general advice is do not go in to debt to pay for a brand name. The amount of money you invest in a program should get the same level of investment from the program in your success. If all they offer in return is the brand name and very little help in career services, I would stay far away from it.
There are many students who can leverage the brand name and network on their own and get a successful career. For them, career services is not important. Usually, domestic students with no visa restriction falls into this category.
But for international students, especially someone with no quant experience like you, having the career services support to get their first internship or job is the #1 concern.

For your situation, I think you should apply to the MAFN program. It is better for you to have an option between Columbia MAFN and MFE/MSOR.

 

[Andy Nguyen]

Looks like OP has got admitted to Cornell MFE and decided to enroll there. Beat of luck.